Macquarie Dictionary's Word: Enshittification

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Post on Nov 26, 2024

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Macquarie Dictionary's Word of the Year: Enshittification – Understanding the Term and its Implications

The Macquarie Dictionary, a renowned authority on Australian English, has chosen "enshittification" as its Word of the Year for 2023. This isn't your typical, polite vocabulary addition. "Enshittification," a portmanteau of "shit" and a suffix suggesting a process, describes a concerning trend in modern society: the deliberate or unintentional degradation of something valuable. But what does this word really mean, and why is it so significant? Let's delve deeper.

Understanding the Meaning of Enshittification

At its core, enshittification refers to the process by which something good or functional is progressively ruined or made worse. This process can be subtle, creeping in gradually, or it can be a sudden, drastic decline. The key element is that the degradation isn't accidental; it often involves the erosion of quality, standards, or ethical considerations.

Examples of Enshittification in Action

The term applies to various contexts. Consider these examples:

• The decline of public services: Budget cuts, privatization, and lack of maintenance can lead to the enshittification of public transportation, healthcare, or education systems. The core service becomes less reliable, less efficient, and ultimately, less valuable to the user.

• The commercialization of art: The pressure to generate profit can lead to the enshittification of artistic endeavors. Creative expression might be compromised by the demands of the market, resulting in a decline in quality and authenticity.

• The degradation of online spaces: The spread of misinformation, harassment, and toxic behavior contributes to the enshittification of online communities and platforms. What once was a space for valuable discourse and connection becomes increasingly hostile and unusable.

Why "Enshittification" Matters

The selection of "enshittification" as Word of the Year isn't arbitrary. It highlights a growing societal concern regarding the decline of quality and standards across various sectors. This word perfectly encapsulates the frustration and anger felt by many towards processes that actively damage things they value. Its inclusion in the Macquarie Dictionary recognizes the prevalence and importance of this concept in contemporary Australian English.

The Power of a Single Word

The word's power lies in its bluntness. It's not a euphemism; it directly names the problem. This directness helps to facilitate conversations about the issues it represents. By acknowledging and naming this phenomenon, we can begin to address its underlying causes and potentially find solutions.

Enshittification and the Future

Understanding the process of enshittification is crucial for safeguarding valuable aspects of our society, from public services to online communities. By recognizing the signs and actively combating the factors that contribute to this degradation, we can work towards a better future where quality, integrity, and value are prioritized.

Conclusion

The Macquarie Dictionary's choice of "enshittification" as Word of the Year isn't merely a linguistic observation; it's a reflection of significant social and cultural trends. Understanding this term allows us to better identify and address the processes eroding the things we value, ultimately fostering a more positive and productive future. The word's growing prevalence in everyday conversation indicates its relevance and impact, solidifying its place in the modern lexicon.