In its 18th annual words of the year vote, the American Dialect Society has named the word “subprime” as their Word Of The Year for 2007!
Who knew that there was a society dedicated to Dialect but the organization is apparently 118 years old. I wonder why it took them so long to come up with an annual Word Of The Year program since this is only the 18th annual. But, why quibble.
“Subprime”—an adjective used to describe a risky or less than ideal loan, mortgage or investment—was also named as the winner of the brand new 2007 category for real estate words.
“Subprime” beat out other contenders—green- (used as a prefix); surge; Facebook; waterboarding; Googleganger; and wide stance (to have a)—for the prestigious (?) honor.
Read their press release for all the entertaining details. For instance, do you know what disgraced Senator Larry Craig and “wide stance” have in common?
I have to admit that I need to expand my personal vocabulary. Many of us have heard about liar loans (money borrowed from a financial institution under false pretenses), but I have to admit that a NINJA loan (No Income, No Job or Assets) and ’scratch and dent loan’ are new ones for me.
“Subprime” joins the ranks of former winners of the Word Of The Year award, some of which are chad, Y2K, red/blue/purple states, and metrosexual.
I want to wish a belated Happy Kwanhanamas to all. (Designated as winner of the most unnecessary word of the year.)
Tags: business, finance, loan, real estate
