Toppers of 2009
The Global Language Monitor, which tracks language trends, has released its annual global survey of the English language. This includes not just the most popular words, but the most popular phrases as well. This year, the word Twitter is the Top Word of 2009.
The Top Words of 2009
1) Twitter — The ability to encapsulate human thought in 140 characters
2) Obama — The word stem transforms into scores of new words like ObamaCare
3) H1N1 — The formal (and politically correct) name for Swine Flu
4) Stimulus — The $800 billion aid package meant to help mend the US economy
5) Vampire — Vampires are very much en vogue, now the symbol of unrequited love
The Top Phrases of 2009
King of Pop –Elvis was ‘The King;’ MJ had to settle for ‘King of Pop’
Obama-mania — One of the scores of words from the Obama-word stem
Climate Change — Considered politically neutral compared to global warming
Swine Flu — Popular name for the illness caused by the H1N1 virus
Too Large to Fail — Institutions that are deemed necessary for financial stability
The Top Names of 2009
Barack Obama — It was Obama’s year, though MJ nearly eclipsed in the end
Michael Jackson — Eclipses Obama on internet though lags in traditional media