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Along Life’s Way
In the
Crosshairs
By Lois E. Wilson
The “Oxford English Dictionary” chooses a word or phrase that has
invaded, mirrored, and dominated the culture and events of the year and
is likely to remain significant in the future.
The O.E.D.’s word for 2018 is “toxic.”
Its original meaning derived from the Greek word “toxikon” (arrow
poison). It described a poisonous material capable of causing death.
Later, it also referred to symptoms of infections. In recent years,
“toxic” has been used as an adjective for many words such as toxic
sarcasm.
The O.E.D. tabulates incidences of use a word has during the year and
the areas in which it is used. The term “toxic” is applied in many
fields. The chemical field was notable in 2018 due to the nerve agent
poisoning in Britain of a former Russian intelligent agent and his
daughter. Toxic chemical stockpiles became an issue.
The burning of toxic waste releasing toxic gases creates toxic air.
This has become a global public health problem. The press reported on
the toxic algae problem in Florida.
The word has been paired with environment to characterize a toxic work
environment. Studies are being conducted to determine how that affects
the mental health of employees.
In 2018 many poisonous, personal interactions have been reported adding
fuel to the phrase “toxic relationships.” Certain groups, such as the
MeToo movement use the term “toxic masculinity” which seems to have
been advanced to a permanent status in our society. It is defined as
stereotypically, negative behavior by men in their pursuit of dominance
and aggression as they suppress emotions other than anger.
It would seem that if men have a toxic masculinity, then men might
think women have a “toxic femininity.” I ask all you ladies, are you
willing to let men define what that means? For me, I’ll pass on that
one.
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