Saturday, April 14, 2007

Goretoid©

In the Greenland series, below, I've used a term which has caught a bit of attention. It is Goretoid©, defined as

a statement of fact, generally scientific in nature, which appears superficially plausible but is not true.
A Goretoid© is best delivered with a bit of authority.

If authority is not available, arrogance is a satisfactory substitute.

The word is derived from a combination of factoid, a briefly stated and usually trivial fact, and Al Gore, former Senator, Vice President and actor, best known for inventing the Internet and popularizing Global Warming.

Both statements are early examples of Goretoids©.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Great term-coinage, and also an excellent read on the intense need for some feeling of authority on the part of Gore, who is possibly the World's Greatest "Wannabe/NeverWas."

By the way, while I know you had nothing to do with it, the book "A Canticle For Leibowitz," by Walter Miller (as I recall) was a wonderful read and highly recommended to all.

Bob Leibowitz said...

Thank you and I agree on both of your points.