Viral Buzz Words

Overuse dilutes value.

   Every word has meaning. Some words have only one, while others carry several, and the one that applies depends on its context, or its relationship to other words in the phrase or sentence.
   Then there are the "twofers," where a single word or phrase is taken to mean something other than what might first appear. Thus, a double meaning. Sarcasm depends on this phenomenon, and often uses tone of voice to reinforce the intent.
   Humor also depends on double meanings. Where would a writer or comedian be without puns? Or lawyers without sarcasm? Or politicians and diplomats without weasel words, terms with shadings that leave them an escape route when a message is not heard as it was intended?
   Among the TV punditocracy, individual words often strike such a strong note, and fit so well in a single circumstance, that they are quickly adopted and spread like a viral contagion.
   But unlike a virus that causes a physical reaction or sickness among those infected, a viral buzz word causes only linguistic exasperation to listeners.
   One such word buzzing around the punditocracy recently is "iconic." From its original connotation of "powerful image," derived from its reference to sacred entities, the word is now used -- overused, really -- to describe anything that has become popular. And, of course, something that is suddenly popular does not say, suggest or imply that it is sacred, much less important.
   Internet users refer to something that is instantly widespread and popular as "going viral."
   The same can be said of Zika, a mosquito-borne virus that causes severe physical illness.
   Sacred it ain't.