Definitions by peter kobs
Webism
1. A new word that codifies an important feature, concept or practice in the online world.
2. The Web equivalent of a "neologism," a newly coined word that may be in the process of entering common use.
3. A slang term that was invented by -- and for -- Web users without approval from any outside authority.
2. The Web equivalent of a "neologism," a newly coined word that may be in the process of entering common use.
3. A slang term that was invented by -- and for -- Web users without approval from any outside authority.
"Phishing" and "viral marketing" are a great examples of Webisms that eventually entered worldwide parlance.
Webism by Peter Kobs May 17, 2009
Newsfaker
Did you see that story about Barack Obama being a secret Muslim who was actually born in Indonesia? It was invented by that serial Newsfaker in Abeline, Texas.
Newsfaker by Peter Kobs May 16, 2009
Flu Fright
1. The irrational fear of a new influenza virus, stoked by hysterical news reporting and inaccurate information. 2. A way to increase ad sales and viewership on 24-hour news channels.
Susan is suffering from a bad case of Flu Fright. She's cancelled all of her committee meetings and refuses to come to work.
Flu Fright by Peter Kobs April 30, 2009
Muddle Class
1. A new name for the American middle class as people try to survive the current economic crisis by "muddling through" with less money and less security.
2. The growing spirit of economic fatalism in mainstream America.
2. The growing spirit of economic fatalism in mainstream America.
Muddle Class by Peter Kobs April 1, 2009
Turnaround Tipster
1. An economist or investor who claims to know when the stock market has "bottomed out" based on inside information or a unique set of obscure metrics. 2. Someone who tells you to "get back in the market" because the turnaround has begun. 3. A charlatan.
Ted says we should start buying stock again because the semi-conductor market is firming up in Taiwan. He's one of those Turnaround Tipsters on CNBC.
Turnaround Tipster by Peter Kobs March 10, 2009
Zombie Company
1. A technically bankrupt company that is kept alive with large infusions of government money for the sake of "stability" in the U.S. financial system. 2. A large financial company with negative net worth that continues to operate, despite having no clear path to solvency. 3. The UnDead of Wall Street.
"AIG is the premier example of a zombie company -- kept alive only by $120 billion in federal bailout money. Apparently, it's considered too large to fail."
Zombie Company by Peter Kobs March 9, 2009
The Great Disruption
1. A frightening new historical era that began in 2008 with the crash of world economies and the simultaneous collapse of trust in governing institutions. 2. A wrenching shift in human society resulting from 50 years of unsustainable development, over-population, environmental degredation, economic injustice and rapid resource depletion. 3. The growing realization that sophisticated "financial engineering" cannot solve the growing list of real-world problems.
The Great Disruption could be the biggest challenge in human history since the collapse of the Roman Empire in 466 A.D.
The Great Disruption by Peter Kobs March 9, 2009