Blogger: Janet Kobobel Grant
Location: Books & Such Main Office, Santa Rosa, Calif.
Each time we transition from one year to the next, Top Ten lists are assembled for every imaginable topic: Top Ten News Stories, Top Ten Books, Top Ten Films, Top Ten Baby Names… why, there’s probably even a Top Ten Uses for Duct Tape. I’m joining the crowd of readers of Top Ten lists by focusing on one I found particularly instructive: Merriam-Webster’s Top Ten Words for 2010.
The list is made up of the words most frequently looked up on Merriam-Webster’s website. I believe the list reflects the words uppermost on people’s minds and gives us a glimpse into what they care about, which is important for writers to know. So let’s take a look at this Top Ten.
Holding the #1 position was austerity. Folks were thinking about their government and themselves as the economy dipped and swooped in 2010, and governmental officials used “austerity” often.
#2 on the list is pragmatic, a word that rose steadily as the year progressed. John M. Morse, president and publisher of Merriam-Webster, stated, “In a way, the popularity of pragmatic is reminiscent of 2005, when integrity was the most frequently looked-up word. In both cases, I think the word described a quality that people value highly, want to understand fully, and are looking for in their leaders.”
Most of the other words on the list resonant with the somber state of people’s minds:
3. moratorium
4. socialism
5. bigot
6. doppelganger
7. shellacking (Remember President Obama saying the Democrats got a shellacking in the November elections?)
8. ebullient
9. dissident
10. furtive
The standout in the group is, of course, ebullient, which leaped to the top of the searches as the world watched the Chilean miners’ rescue. Talk about a dramatically happy ending…
What lessons can we take from this list? First, that as we write to meet the needs of readers, they want a reason to be ebullient in the midst of harsh realities. Seeing the good news in bad circumstances brings light, hope and celebration. The rescue of the miners stands in sharp contrast to the helpless feeling we all experienced as we watched the BP oil spill ruin lives, beaches, and wildlife. What a contrast!
I don’t think readers want us to ignore the tough stuff; these are people who sought out dark words in the dictionary, as they worked to grapple with real life issues. But they also are individuals who rejoiced over the saving of a few miners, who came to symbolize that even a hopelessly difficult situation can have a good resolution.
What are your responses to this Top Ten list? What do you think doppelganger is doing on the list? Why was bigot a significant word? Check out Merriam-Webster’s website for insight into how the words came to be on the list.
How can you see yourself applying insights from these words to what you’re writing as we greet 2011?
Sarah Forgrave
Very interesting list! I agree 100% that people are looking for a reason to believe in something bigger than themselves. That’s the beauty of Christian fiction. We can provide “happily ever after” in the truest sense of the word. Now I’m off to look up the word doppelganger…
Janet Grant
I know, doppelganger is a surprise but shows the power of the media.
Katie Ganshert
I’m laughing right now because I think I might know why doppelganger is on the list. The CW’s number one show right now is Vampire Diaries. It’s insanely popular. (I admit, I like it.) It’s on its second season. The actress who plays the main character plays two rolls. A vampire, and the vampire’s human doppelganger. They started using the actual word at the end of last season. What are the chances this is it?
Katie Ganshert
I didn’t actually mean she plays two rolls (as in bread and butter), but more like she plays two roles. My bad. 🙂
Heather Sunseri
Thank you, Katie. I knew I had heard the use of doppleganger recently.
That is an interesting list. I hope it’s a sign that people are interested in knowing the exact meaning of the words they’re hearing often. And I hope writers and readers know that even when a word like ***** is darkening our ears, there are funny words like dopplegangers from hit TV shows to even things out a little.
Lynn Dean
I wonder if “*****” is on the list because there are those who launch that charge at anyone who disapproves of any behavior (except being Christian–apparently it’s perfectly acceptable to disapprove of Christianity). Maybe people were checking to see if they really were guilty, or if there is yet room to prefer old standards to what is now tolerated if not lauded?
Janet Grant
I don’t know how the folks at Merriam-Webster come up with their explanations for why words are looked up, but according the website, doppelganger was on the list because Elizabeth Gilbert appeared on a talk show (I can’t remember which one), and the host said Elizabeth was Julia Robert’s doppelganger, since Julia played Elizabeth in the Eat Pray Love film. As the good dictionary people pointed out, actually, Julia Roberts was Elizabeth Gilbert’s doppelganger. But, hey, it was impressive a talk show host slung a multi-syllabic word out onto the air waves.
Jessica R. Patch
Doppleganger seems to be the choice word of television. Vampire Diaries is one. I’ve watched three shows in the last week where the reference is made and not too long ago, facebook statuses were filled with the question, “Who are you a doppleganger to?” A whole Doppleganger Day! People posted a picture of which famous person they looked like most. I’ll come clean, now. I followed the crowd.
Caroline
I read this list, too, when you tweeted it out recently. It is quite interesting to look over.
I like how you’ve searched for connection between these words and the needs/wants of the readers.
Even though many of these words have somber connotations, I think the fact that these words were often researched is a good thing. It shows that people are still searching, still reaching, and, as you pointed out with the beauty that came from the Chilean events, still ready to grab on to joy and hope.
Janet Grant
Jessica, thanks for pointing out how doppelganger seems to be the Word of the Moment. I had no idea…But that’s what these conversations are about, helping all of us stay informed.
Jill Kemerer
This is so interesting. Austerity is number one. That surprises me! It’s not a word I use in general conversation.
I really appreciate your analysis on why the words were in the top ten. I didn’t even think about it until you mentioned reasons. Thanks for making me think!