Another thing about 'chaos' (and 'chaotic') is that it still looks and sounds alien, even though it has been in English for a while. For example, that 'ao' sequence is very rare in short words, and is not always pronounced as separate sounds. I could only think of a few other moderately common short words, such as 'aorta', 'cacao', 'ciao' (pronounced like 'chow'), 'gaol' (UK spelling of 'jail', pronounced the same way), 'kaolin', 'karaoke' (definitely a recent import'), 'pharaoh' (one of the all-time weirdest words in English, not the least because the second A is silent) and 'tao'. Yep, 'chaos' is one of the aliens.
Chaos is a good choice, but I'm springing for DOGE. It has faded since summer, but before that, it was as if the Visigoths were sacking Rome. Friends of mine were in despair. Years from now, people will look back in horror at how much mindless destruction was done in so short a time.
In addition to describing the current state of our world all too well, another appeal of the word "chaos" is the hard, percussive "K" of the first syllable, which feels direct, to the point, and pleasingly punchy. There's no wishy-washy, namby-pamby hand-wringing in that syllable -- it tells it like it is, with no sugar-coating. "Chaos" is a word of, for, and by modern times.
Another thing about 'chaos' (and 'chaotic') is that it still looks and sounds alien, even though it has been in English for a while. For example, that 'ao' sequence is very rare in short words, and is not always pronounced as separate sounds. I could only think of a few other moderately common short words, such as 'aorta', 'cacao', 'ciao' (pronounced like 'chow'), 'gaol' (UK spelling of 'jail', pronounced the same way), 'kaolin', 'karaoke' (definitely a recent import'), 'pharaoh' (one of the all-time weirdest words in English, not the least because the second A is silent) and 'tao'. Yep, 'chaos' is one of the aliens.
I think "chaos" covers it. And the entire world is just getting started.
Thanks for such a wonderful amount of research! And have you considered "derangement."
Yes -- in 2016! https://fritinancyblog.wordpress.com/2016/11/07/word-of-the-week-derangement-syndrome/
You are SO far ahead of me.
Chaos is a good choice, but I'm springing for DOGE. It has faded since summer, but before that, it was as if the Visigoths were sacking Rome. Friends of mine were in despair. Years from now, people will look back in horror at how much mindless destruction was done in so short a time.
I wouldn't be surprised if DOGE makes it to the ADS finals next month.
Inspired by Lit Pickle hard pickle seltzer:
The beverage for Trump-fondling Republicans: Lickspittle Selzer
In addition to describing the current state of our world all too well, another appeal of the word "chaos" is the hard, percussive "K" of the first syllable, which feels direct, to the point, and pleasingly punchy. There's no wishy-washy, namby-pamby hand-wringing in that syllable -- it tells it like it is, with no sugar-coating. "Chaos" is a word of, for, and by modern times.
So to speak...
As online as I am and as obsessed with words as I am, I am always pleased — but never surprised — to learn new words in your annual roundup. Brava!