PERSPECTIVE
THE IN 10 WORDS OR LESS
(OR JUST A LITTLE MORE) 10 of the most memorable and iconic words and catchphrases that defined 2020 By Jumol Royes
When it comes to a year that hit pause on all regularly scheduled programming, it’s pretty hard to sum it up in 10 words or less. From the COVID-19 crisis and cries for social justice, to Zoom calls and TikTok challenges, 2020 has been one for the history books. Who knows what the New Year will bring – but we’d be wise to prepare for a few plot twists. In the meantime, let’s look back at 10 of the most memorable and iconic words and catchphrases that defined a year we’ll not soon forget.
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020
Pandemic Formerly relegated to the realms of Hollywood fiction and doomsday theorists, the word ‘pandemic’ became all too real this year when the coronavirus swept across the globe like a tsunami. Johns Hopkins University has recorded 34,986,505 confirmed cases worldwide… and counting. The outbreak will forever be remembered as an event that literally stopped the world in its tracks. Social/physical distancing Social distancing was one of the first public health measures put in place to help stem the spread of COVID-19. Now commonly referred to as ‘physical distancing’ (since ‘social distancing’ was found to be contributing to increased feelings of loneliness and isolation), the idea is to maintain a distance of two metres (or six feet) between yourself and others. We waved goodbye this year to hospitable handshakes, kismet kisses and warmhearted hugs. Speaking moistly When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a news conference back in April extolling the virtues of wearing a mask to protect others from the virus, his message went viral, but for all the wrong reasons. After saying, “It prevents you from breathing or speaking moistly on them,” he immediately regretted his choice of words, adding, “What a terrible image.” The internet had a field day with the PM’s remarks. Cue the memes. 14
IN MAGAZINE
