'Fake news' deemed word of the year

  • 11 Nov - 17 Nov, 2017
  • Mag The Weekly
  • Mag Files


Glasgow-based Collins Dictionary has named Fake News, as its Word of the Year, even though it's two words, not one.

The dictionary’s website recently announced the news stating, "It has been derided by the leader of the free world and accused of influencing elections, but 'fake news' is today legitimate news, as it is named Collins' Word of the Year 2017."

Collins reports that "the word saw an unprecedented usage increase [of] 365 percent since 2016." It defines the term as meaning "false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting."

The site also listed a number of runner-up words. "Antifa," "fidget spinner," "gender-fluid," "echo chamber" and "gig economy", all made that list. And one of the almost-ran words was distinctly British – "Corbynmania" is defined as "fervent enthusiasm for Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the UK Labour Party."

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