Word of the Year

According to the Oxford American Dictionaries, GIF (graphic interchange format) is the Word of the Year for 2012. Pronounced JIF (I have no idea why) the definition is “a compressed file format for images that can be used to create simple, jerky, looping animations.” See the complete article for some GIF examples. Very cute. I see them online all the time now.

Originating in the 80’s, the word has experienced a rebirth through use on the Internet. Its rising popularity earned the Word of the Year title from a team of lexicographers and consultants to the dictionary team, along with editorial, marketing, and publicity staff on the Oxford University Press. It doesn’t mean it will automatically be put in any dictionary.

Another phrase I’m seeing everywhere is Internet Meme. The term “Internet meme” refers to a concept that spreads rapidly from person to person via the Internet, largely through Internet-based email, blogs, forums, Imageboards, social networking sites, instant messaging and video streaming sites such as YouTube (from Wikipedia).

CRASHER SQUIRREL

In short, enough people like an image, video, or phrase that they send it to others via the Internet or social media. I found a site that lists the “100 Greatest” memes. Better learn what a photobomb is as well. That’s when an object is inserted into another photo, making it “funny” to enough people that they pass it on. Here is Crasher Squirrel.

And there I go, propagating the meme!

So, there’s my update on the further evolution {or disintegration :-)} of the English language. At the least, it’s a fascinating insight in how technology and the Internet impact us on a daily basis.