buzz·word (bŭz'wûrd') n.
1. A word or phrase connected with a specialized field or group that usually sounds important or technical and is used primarily to impress laypersons.
2. A stylish or trendy word or phrase.
1. A word or phrase connected with a specialized field or group that usually sounds important or technical and is used primarily to impress laypersons.
2. A stylish or trendy word or phrase.
In the essay "Politics and the English Language," English author George Orwell analyzes and chastises society's use of buzzwords. Orwell cites the convenience of using buzzwords, and specifically castigates the convenience. According to Orwell, the big problem with the convenience lies in the individual using the ideas and phrases of someone else. As a result, one is either unwillingness or incapable of creating and using his/her own phrase and idea. Just borrowing an idea and phrase from someone else involves no real thinking or creativity, and thus, is an incredibly lazy use of a rhetorical device.
The predominant rhetorical device used in the wacky world of "politics" is the buzzword. While the three rhetorical appeals (logos, pathos & ethos) are also equally implemented by politicians, the buzzword is as irresistible as an orgasm to both politicians and citizens. Granted, some politicians and citizens think for themselves, but others use whatever buzzword is trendy, the most impressive and best portrays a group in a negative light.
The predominant rhetorical device used in the wacky world of "politics" is the buzzword. While the three rhetorical appeals (logos, pathos & ethos) are also equally implemented by politicians, the buzzword is as irresistible as an orgasm to both politicians and citizens. Granted, some politicians and citizens think for themselves, but others use whatever buzzword is trendy, the most impressive and best portrays a group in a negative light.
The most common buzzword, in all of its different uses and variations, revolves around one man: Adolf Hitler. Because Germany's head of state is responsible for some of mankind's vilest atrocities, he is the very best and most popular platitude for a group and/or spokesperson to use in maiming and demonizing their opposition. Whether it is a protester from the left or right, or the botox barracuda named Nancy Pelosi, the calculable method of dismissing and demonizing detractors is to call them a Nazi, compare them to Hitler or flirt with the idea of socialism and/or totalitarianism. After all, the opposition is as vile and as atrocious as Hitler for disagreeing with one's point of view, right? Such a stinging platitude!
But, the platitude no longer maims and stings as much as it did decades ago. Invoking imagery of Hitler and Nazism is trite and mediocre. The imagery is entirely ineffective, boldly farcical and demonstrates a complete lack of wit, thought and creativity. Buzzwords with Hitler-related imagery are cliché, arid and stunt the intellect and credibility of a user's opinion. Isn't it high time to retire the Hitler buzzwords?
Or, is society complacent with mediocrity, predictability and banality?
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