It’s very illuminating to get news from other countries news sources. One I read is the Independent Australia. In a recent article (28 November 2024) I found an article worth repeating, and here I’ll quote, “Managing editor Michelle Pini sums up top examples of Macquarie Dictionary's defining new Word of the Year 2024: enshittification.
FOR THOSE who love words, it’s not every day that a new example comes along that neatly and eloquently epitomises an entire state of affairs.This week, however, the Macquarie Dictionary outdid itself, announcing its word of the year as:
ENSHITTIFICATION
noun Colloquial the gradual deterioration of a service or product brought about by a reduction in the quality of service provided, especially of an online platform, and as a consequence of profit-seeking.
The Macquarie committee elaborates on this:
‘This word captures what many of us feel is happening to the world and to so many aspects of our lives at the moment.’
And to further expound on this, Independent Australia interprets enshittification to mean:
Turning to shit, the process of turning to shit and everything that propels or otherwise assists the turning to shit process.
In honour of our new favourite term, here are the most worthy recent examples of enshittification.
CONVICTED FELON WINS U.S. ELECTION
Donald Trump’s election as president of the United States for the second time is probably the foremost enshittification moment, globally.
TWITTER
Elon Musk’s ability to purchase a social media platform for $44 billion and within two years reduce its value to around $9 billion. However, perhaps the newly formed government efficiency department he is poised to lead will also complete the process of enshittification of the U.S. democratic system.
MURDOCHGUTTERMEDIA
This is the number one reason we can’t have nice things and also why enshittification is now a necessary word.
Murdoch’s assorted gutter rags, websites and associated paraphernalia encapsulate enshittification in all its splendour. They promote and glorify aforesaid division and hate, and normalise and enable the rise of leaders such as Trump and Vance and Kennedy etc.
Above all, they ensure those with money and power get every opportunity to enshittify everything they touch.
Follow managing editor Michelle Pini on Bluesky @michellepini.bsky.social and Independent Australia on Bluesky @independentaus.bsky.social.”
I hope you all enjoy this new word and especially enjoy using it.
