Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year 2024: Polarization
In a world where language shapes our understanding of reality, the battle for word dominance continues to rage. Merriam-Webster, the venerable dictionary institution, has declared “polarization” as its word of the year for 2024. The term, defined as “division into two sharply distinct opposites,” has taken center stage in the ongoing cultural and political discourse.
The Left’s Linguistic Agenda
Since 2016, the dictionary landscape has become a battlefield for ideological skirmishes. The aftermath of President Trump’s election victory left the lefty staff at Merriam-Webster scrambling to redefine existing terms and coin new ones to align with their liberal narrative. From “birthing person” to “Latinx” and the latest addition, “womyn,” the left’s linguistic agenda is clear – to shape language to fit their worldview.
Pushing the Boundaries of Language
The recent controversy surrounding the Scripps National Spelling Bee’s inclusion of “womyn” as an acceptable alternate spelling for “women” has sparked debates about language manipulation and political correctness. The attempt to eliminate gendered terms like “mother” and “father” in favor of “birthing parent” and “non-birthing parent” reflects a broader agenda to appease transgender extremists and erase traditional family roles.
The Impact on Everyday Discourse
The infiltration of gender-neutral language into mainstream discourse, from “chestfeeding” to “pregnant people,” has raised concerns about the erosion of linguistic traditions and the imposition of ideological agendas. The liberal media’s defense of these linguistic innovations, from CNN’s advocacy for “gender-inclusive phrases” to Axios’ promotion of “Latine” as the new Latinx, highlights the ongoing struggle for linguistic dominance in the public sphere.
In a world where words shape our perceptions and beliefs, the battle for linguistic supremacy is more than just a matter of semantics. It reflects deeper cultural and political divides that continue to shape our society. As we navigate this linguistic minefield, it’s essential to remain vigilant and critical of the language we use and the agendas that seek to manipulate it for their own ends. Let us not be swayed by empty words but instead strive for clarity and authenticity in our communication.
