‘Alternative Facts’: The ‘Non-Word’ of 2017
Yearly, a German panel singles out a phrase that runs counter to the principles of democracy or human dignity. Kellyanne Conway's offering tops a new list of 684 suggestions.BERLIN—German linguists have declared the phrase “alternative facts,” popularized by White House aide Kellyanne Conway, the non-word of 2017.
Conway used the phrase last year when asked why President Donald Trump’s then-Press Secretary Sean Spicer mischaracterized the size of the inauguration crowd.
A team of six language experts at Darmstadt University chose “alternative facts” from among 684 suggestions.
German news agency dpa quoted the head of the panel as saying Tuesday the phrase represents the growing practice of “replacing factual arguments with claims that cannot be proven.”
Each year the panel singles out a phrase that runs counter to the principles of democracy or human dignity. Last year it chose the German term “Volksverraeter,” roughly “traitor to one’s people,” used by far-right groups to label politicians who they disagree with.
Your support is crucial…With an uncertain future and a new administration casting doubt on press freedoms, the danger is clear: The truth is at risk.
Now is the time to give. Your tax-deductible support allows us to dig deeper, delivering fearless investigative reporting and analysis that exposes what’s really happening — without compromise.
During this holiday season, stand with our courageous journalists. Donate today to protect a free press, uphold democracy and ensure the stories that matter are told.
Editorial Cartoons
It’s not enough to point out Donald Trump’s constant barrage of false claims. At a minimum, they must be countered before their effects become irreversible.
President Trump's staggering perversion of history and facts presents a serious threat to American and global citizens.
As we struggle to keep up with the administration’s shifting explanations, it is difficult to remember the events of yesterday, let alone last week or last month.
A new profile in New York magazine details how the trusted presidential adviser has carved out a powerful role for herself in the White House.
You need to be a supporter to comment.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.