WOTY Candidate

Dave Wilton dave at WILTON.NET
Tue Jan 2 15:53:24 UTC 2007


I didn't see this on Grant's or Wayne's lists, but a word that I think
should be seriously considered is "macaca."

Seldom does a single word have such an impact. "Macaca" was the catalyst
that destroyed the campaign of a heavily favored senate incumbent and
would-be 2008 presidential nominee. The word is also linked with YouTube and
the rise of participatory web sites in 2006.

Not sure that it's a good fit for any of the usual sub-categories. Possibly
most euphemistic. Least likely to succeed is also possible as I don't think
it will retain currency except as a historical reference.

Have fun in Anaheim. Wish I could be there this year.

--Dave Wilton
  dave at wilton.net

------------------------------------------------------------
The American Dialect Society - http://www.americandialect.org



More information about the Ads-l mailing list