infamous = 'talked-about; popular'

[Ben Zimmer]

According to the transcript, anchor John Berman said, "Teaming up with
the leader of the free world, Tiger Woods gushing about the president
as a golf partner." No ringleader. But you got the quote from sports
reporter Joe Carter right: "Tiger gave up details yesterday about his
infamous round with the president saying the commander in chief can
chip, he can putt; he also has amazing touch."

http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/1302/20/es.04.html

It's possible that what made the round of golf "infamous" in Carter's
eyes was that the White House press corps had complained about not
getting to see it:

http://www.mediaite.com/tv/cnn-panel-clashes-over-right-to-see-obama-golfing-with-tiger-woods-what-happened-to-transparency/


On Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 10:02 AM, Jonathan Lighter wrote:
>
> We're talking the lamestream info-edutainment viewpoint.  No feature
> reporter would ever express a negative judgment of anything legal and
> intrinsically harmless done for fun by a pair of top celebs.
>
> The journo's tone of voice was entirely enthusiastic as Tiger went on to
> explain the thrill of golfing with the Prez.
>
> Possibly I am in error, but as I switched on the TV I thought I heard
> someone describe the President quite neutrally as "the ringleader of the
> free world."
>
> Not a reliable attestation. Just a warning.
>
> On Wed, Feb 20, 2013 at 9:11 AM, Joel S. Berson <Berson at att.net> wrote:
> >
> > At 2/20/2013 06:58 AM, Jonathan Lighter wrote:
> > >CNN mentions "The President's infamous round of golf with Tiger Woods."
> > >
> > >The only meaning I can extract is "well reported,esp. if diverting."
> >
> > Depends on your opinion of Tiger Woods.  I would extract "disgraceful
> > social occasion with a dishonored multiple adulterer."  Woods is
> > infamous; the President becomes so also.

--
Ben Zimmer
http://benzimmer.com/

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