(cc) by-nc-sa photo: Simon King
As further evidence of the rising social consciousness of society, the Global Language Monitor (GLM), an organization that “documents, analyzes and tracks trends in language the world over”, has named “hybrid” the top word of 2007.
The GLM says:
The analysis was completed using GLM’s Predictive Quantities Indicator (PQI), the proprietary algorithm that tracks words and phrases in the media and on the Internet. The words are tracked in relation to frequency, contextual usage and appearance in global media outlets, factoring in long-term trends, short-term changes, momentum and velocity. GLM’s global network of language observers have nominated English-language words throughout the year from the world over.
So lots of people are using the word in many different contexts. It’s interesting to note that “sustainable” was the top word of of 2006, though the GLM acknowledges that the word’s meaning has become muddled as it has become more widespread:
Originally a ‘green’ term, has moved into the mainstream meaning ‘self-generating’ as in ‘wind power is a sustainable power supply’. Can apply to populations, marriages, agriculture, economies, and the like. The opposite of ‘disposable’.
Still, rising visibility is a always good thing. It will be interesting to see if this rising awareness eventually results in a corresponding backlash.
[via TreeHugger]
