The author recounts learning the term 'edgelord,' defined as a person who spouts provocative or extreme opinions, often without genuinely believing them, to attract attention. Initially unfamiliar with the term, the author discovered its presence in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and OED (since 2013, originating in video gaming) and now observes 'edgelords' frequently in both online and real-world conversations, noting their role in a society with shrinking attention spans.
I’ve learned a new word – and now I’m seeing the people it describes everywhere
Social etiquetteLanguageLife and style
AI Summary
TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️The author recounts learning the term 'edgelord,' defined as a person who spouts provocative or extreme opinions, often without genuinely believing them, to attract attention. Initially unfamiliar with the term, the author discovered its presence in dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and OED (since 2013, originating in video gaming) and now observes 'edgelords' frequently in both online and real-world conversations, noting their role in a society with shrinking attention spans.
Trending- 1 2013: 'Edgelord' first attested by OED.
- 2 Recently: Author learned the word 'edgelord' from a friend.
- 3 Ongoing: Author observes 'edgelords' everywhere.
- Increased awareness of a specific social behavior
- Realization of the prevalence of 'edgelords'
- Potential for 'edgelord' opinions to become genuine beliefs (Gollum analogy)
- The need for edgelords to constantly innovate to maintain 'edge'
What: The author's personal discovery and subsequent observation of the term 'edgelord' and the behavior it describes. An 'edgelord' is defined as someone who affects a provocative or extreme persona, especially online, often for attention, even if they don't believe the opinions.
When: Recently (author learned the word), since 2013 (word attested by OED), 12 years (author's delay in learning the word).
Where: Online, WhatsApp, BBC, The Guardian, in conversations everywhere (work and play).
Why: The author's friend used the term; the author's curiosity led to research; the author now sees the behavior everywhere due to increased awareness.
How: Through a conversation with a friend on WhatsApp, checking with colleagues and family, consulting dictionaries (Chambers, Merriam-Webster, Dictionary.com, Oxford English Dictionary).