Miriam Webster's word of the year is - Ta Da...

PANDEMIC

Is anyone surprised?

Lots of places come out with the word of the year. Are there any interesting ones?

I thought zoom would be one. The word "zoom" has become common enough that people use it generically. Just the other day I suggested a zoom meeting with our Microsoft Teams. I think it has become a word like "jello" or "kleenex."

I've no idea what "zoom" means other than a rapid passing or an increase in magnification on cameras.

Do you remember what the term is for generalizing a brand name as per your two examples? I knew it once, but have forgotten.

quote:

Originally posted by Geoff:
I've no idea what "zoom" means.

Well that’s a pity Geoff because you are one of the people I was going to invite next month to a poetry event where I will be performing. But it’s taking place on Zoom so I guess I won’t be seeing you there.

I read an article that Miriam Webster added 520 new words this year. I didn't think about it, but "second gentleman" is one. COVID-19 was added in a record 34 days. Interestingly "long hauler" had a new definition added: "A person who experiences one or more long-term effects following initial improvement or recovery from a serious illness (such as COVID-19)."

I did see the other day that "whatevs" is now in the OED.

Whatevs? Is that a UK term, or have I just not heard it before.

It’s “whatever” said rudely to
mean “I don’t care”

I figured it must be something like that.

quote:

Originally posted by BobHale:
It’s “whatever” said rudely to
mean “I don’t care”

Oh yeh, that one's been around in the NYC area for a long long time. Pronounced 'whatevah'. Gosh, "Whatever." is even ruder than the title of this thread! "I don't care" is a shade politer than "you're stupid."

Ah, well, those New Yorkers are quite the pronunciators,,,