This is from Grant Barrett, a lexicographer specializing in slang and new words. Some of my favorite lexical items he defines are:
1) Recessionista: Originally, someone who favored a recession as ultimately good for the economy. Now, a person who stays fashionable during an economic downturn without spending a lot of money.
2) Plutoid: A new term designated by the International Astronomical Union to refer to Pluto and space objects like it, which are something less than planets.
3) Maverick: A person who is beholden to no one. Widely used by the Republican presidential and vice-presidential candidates, John McCain and Sarah Palin. Also in the adjectival form mavericky, used by Tina Fey portraying Governor Palin on “ Saturday Night Live.”
4) Gas-sipper: The opposite of gas-guzzler. Though more than 30 years old, the term took on new significance as gasoline prices rose to record highs.
5) Frugalista: A person who is frugal but fashionable.
Excellent piece. Read more here.
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11 comments:
That's me, a frugalista.
I like the 'adjectival form mavericky'. Oh, and 'staycation'
I have a gas-sipper. It's called a bike.
:)
Ha. Recessionista. Yes. I've got dibs on that.
So, plutoids are demoted planets then.
It'd be a good euphemism to use if one gets demoted. 'Honey, I'm home. I'm a plutoid now.'
And the recession provides a lot of buying opportunities for frugalistas.
I think my favorite would have to be 'gas-sipper.' Had not heard that before. Anorexic cars, yup, it's the way to go.
So then I don't get the difference between frugalista and the newer definition of recessionista.
Poor Pluto...
Poor Pluto, indeed.
Staycation, all the way. Apropos word.
To me, Recessionista is ALL about staying fashionable for less :)
Check out The Recessionista(TM) Blog to learn more: http://therecessionista.blogspot.com/
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