Cramer-Krasselt - Cultural Dictionary

appholes

(n.) Jon Stewart’s term for Apple after a search warrant was issued to search the home of a tech blog writer who wrote about a highly secretive iPhone prototype that was accidently left behind at a bar by an Apple employee.

The Trend: Sindifference, Shrugging Off Scandals

Despite the new era of responsibility, bad behavior and scandals continue. After seeing so many long-respected people, organizations and companies caught red-handed, people are no longer surprised... more

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avatar blues

(n.) The depression experienced by fans of Avatar who want to see and experience Pandora (the Avatar world) for themselves.

The Trend: Virtually everywhere, Growing Dependence on Digital Living

As people continue to invest more personal time in online activities and as new location-based social media innovations are introduced, it’s clear that the line between our physical and virtual worlds... more

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baracksploitation

(n.) The phenomenon of individuals and companies making money from anything involving President Barack Obama, whether honoring or demonizing him.

The Trend: Populism 2.0, New Politics

Following the grassroots momentum of President Obama’s election, activism has reached a groundswell across the political spectrum. Whether demanding smaller government, greater economic regulation or... more

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charitext

(v.) To donate to a cause by sending a text message. The donated amount is simply added to your mobile bill. (e.g., Haiti 90999)

The Trend: Virtually everywhere, Growing Dependence on Digital Living

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ecochondriac

(n.) A person in a constant state of paranoia over global warming.

The Trend: Holistic sustainability, Green & Beyond

The last couple years have taught us many lessons, one being that each of us needs to take responsibility for the future. In the past, the focus was on environmental sustainability, but today, the concept... more

FOMS

(n.) Acronym for “fear of missing something.” A condition many people suffer when they are without their mobile device or Internet.

The Trend: Virtually everywhere, Growing Dependence on Digital Living

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gagalicious

(adj.) An outrageous, ornate or over-the-top style inspired by Lady Gaga.

The Trend: Gender-less world, Ever-Evolving Gender Roles

For the past several decades, discussion of evolving gender roles focused primarily on women taking on traditionally male roles. Today, as roles of both men and women shift, swap and even splice together... more

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goldilocks gadget

(n.) A device that doesn’t quite meet the standards to be a full-blown laptop or smart phone (e.g., iPad).

The Trend: Digital déjà vu, I Already Have This…Where’s The Next Big Thing?

The 2000s saw a score of major advances in technology, leading to high consumer expectations. Whereas, in past decades, tech geeks were the first adapters and biggest critics, nowadays technology is... more

mancake

(n.) A cupcake or other dessert made with a “manly” appearance or with “manly” flavors, such as bacon, beer or rum and Coke.

The Trend: Gender-less world, Ever-Evolving Gender Roles

oilpocalypse

(n.) A name for the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast.

The Trend: Sindifference, Shrugging Off Scandals

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the full heidi

(n.) An excessive amount of cosmetic surgery à la Heidi Montag.

The Trend: Sindifference, Shrugging Off Scandals

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tweeva

(n.) A young girl in her tweens who lives her life as a diva by taking part in spa and beauty treatments.

The Trend: Gender-less world, Ever-Evolving Gender Roles

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twi-hards

(n.) Hardcore fans of the Twilight franchise.

The Trend: Tribalized Fandom, Declared Devotion to Entertainment Icons

While the concept of fandom may not be anything new, in the past year, our expression of it has escalated to new heights. Gone are the passive fan clubs of yesteryear. Today, passionate fans have found... more

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twitter-cation

(n.) A vacation from the use of Twitter.

The Trend: Virtually everywhere, Growing Dependence on Digital Living

zombified

(n.) The phenomenon of zombies replacing vampires as the menacing mythical creature we love to fear, featuring them in everything from movies to social media movements.

The Trend: Tribalized Fandom, Declared Devotion to Entertainment Icons

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cultural dictionary

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