"Language is such a technology," so writes Canadian Author Douglas Coupland in his 1995 Book Microserfs. Indeed it goes even deeper than that; colloquialism, lexicon and satire can steer human consciousness unswervingly at the truth. Here, in Lexicographical order, lies one such attempt to place Cancer in conceptual context. Drawing from the cornucopia of human experiences and disciplines, from metaphysics to pop culture–the lingo leaned on throughout these writings is ever evolving and always a bit cheeky. This glossary should help.

Have a cracking definition for a term I've missed? Submissions are always accepted here:

---

A-Levels:

"Advanced Level." The second of three standard secondary school examinations, by subject, in British schools. Used for University acceptance.

A20:

A20 Road in the UK connecting London, Dover and Kent.

Ad Agency:

An Advertising Agency or Creative Agency. A business dedicated to creating, planning and executing advertising across multiple forms of media, such as: Television, Print, Digital Signage and Social Media. Often characterised as bastions of elitism and woke culture.

Adenocarcinoma:

“Adeno” of a gland “carcinoma” cancer. A type of aggressive malignant cancer that starts in the mucous glands of the body’s organs. May mutate the DNA of the organism in which it arises.

African American:

Well intentioned, politically correct term for an American of African descent. Used liberally to describe any black person, whether African, American or otherwise. Considered reductionist and irritating: to American-born blacks who have no ties to Africa, African blacks whose ancestors sold their undesireables off to slavery in America, and blacks who grew up in Europe with ties to neither Africa nor America.

Agent provocateur:

A person who secretly disrupts a group's activities from within. Alternatively, an agent who incites suspected persons to commit illegal acts.

Alinskyesque:

From political theory. A reference to Saul Alinsky's 1971 book Rules for Radicals, a primer on using dialectic to cause social instability. Specifically “Any effective means is automatically judged by the opposition as being unethical.” Alternatively, "always accuse the enemy of doing exactly what you are doing."

Allostasis:

The bodily process through which homeostasis is achieved through behavioural or physiological change.

Allostatic Load:

The wear and tear on the body as a result of physiological adaptations made to maintain homeostasis; particularly chronic stress.

Alpha male:

Zoological concept appropriated into internet lexicon meaning stereotypically desirable masculine traits, such as, but not limited to: social dominance, high social status, material wealth, sexual virility and sexual desirability. Also known as the "man's man," or "Chads." See, Beta Male, Sigma Male and hypergamous selection.

Alt-Right:

Loose association of Western intellectuals disallusioned by the unipoliarity of liberal democracy. Criticised for placing too much stock in biological determinism (specifically behavioural genetics) regarding human racial groups; arguing that rigid categories of prediction drive human behaviours moreso than individual human will. Alternatively, anyone deemed persona non grata by the media establishment, accredited institutions, or woke culture. Further alternatively, those other Collectivists over there. See, Culture Wars, The and Identitarianism.

American Dream, The:

From Marketing, an American social ideal that venerates egalitarianism amd material prosperity. Alternatively, "the good life." See, Culture of Empire.

Anima & Animus:

From Psychology, a concept formulated by Carl Jung describing the unconscious masculine aspect of a woman and the unconscious feminine aspect of a man.

Animus Nocendi:

From law, State of mind; an essential element for establishing a crime.

Anomie:

Social instability caused by erosion of standards and values. See, nihilism.

Anthroposophic medicine:

Form of alternative medicine from the 1920s based on the work of Rudolph Steiner and Ita Wegman, involving occult theraputic pratices including Massage, exercise, therapy and microdosing. Also employs the belief of karmic destiny as playing a role in disease onset. Related to modern Homeopathy.

Antifragility:

A property of systems that increase in capability or resilience through repeated exposure to threats, shocks, faults, failures and stressors. Defined by professor Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who developed the concept, Antifragility is a positive response to volatility. Resilient systems weather shocks and remain constant, antifragile systems encounter shocks and improve.

A posteriori:

From logic meaning ‘from the later.’ A philosophical concept proposed by Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, describing a justification for a claim based on experience or empirical evidence. For example, Science and personal knowledge.

A priori:

From logic meaning ‘from the former.’ A philosophical concept proposed by Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, describing a justification for a claim independent from experience or empirical evidence, such as in mathematics.

Apropos:

Suitable. On the nose. Kosher.

Apocalytising:

Portmanteau of Apocalypse and Advertising describing a genre of advertising that uses onimous, apocalyptic imagery to promote a product or service as the solution of the future. Often couched in a subtle veneer of inevitability suggesting dystopia as a new normal and suggesting that one can be trendy and cool amidst the dystopia through buying the product or service being sold. Often seen with suspicious immediacy after the onset of a major global event such as 9/11 and subsequent "war on terror," Hurricane Katrina, or the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Apophenia:

From psychology; the tendency to mistakenly perceive connections and meaning between unrelated things.

Apoptosis:

A type of cell death in which the cell uses specialised cellular machinery to kill itself; a cell suicide mechanism that enables control over cell numbers and eliminates cells that threaten survival.

Apparatchik:

From Soviet colloquialism, a professional functionary or loyal subordinate, especially of the administrative system. See, HR.

Assistant Cameraman, (1^st):

Member of a standard (IATSE) film crew responsible for adjusting the focus and supervising the operation of professional motion picture camera systems; a highly technical and elite position on a film set. Must be a hands-on expert in dozens of camera and lens systems, from film to digital formats, Alternatively, “Focus Technician”: "How many ACs does it take to screw in a lightbulb? Well, let me tell you how I did it on the last show..."

Assistant Cameraman, (2^nd):

Member of a standard (IATSE) film crew responsible for Assisting the 1^st Assistant Cameraman with the operation of professional motion picture camera systems. Marks the position of "blocking" the actors for focus and lighting. Primarily operates the production slate (clapperboard), handles all media shot by the camera(s), providing it to the Digital Imaging Technician (DIT), working with the Script Supervisor to log footage taken. Often the most exhausted and stressed out person on a film set: "I had a cup of coffee once... On my day off."

Atomisation:

Describes the social alienation experienced by large numbers of human beings living in close proximity without any common social bonds.

Ayurveda:

A system of medicine originating in the Indian Subcontinent, possibly emerging as early as the Indus Valley Civilisation (c. 3300–c. 1300 BCE), later incorporating aspects of Buddhism and Jainism. lit. "knowledge of life and longevity," Emphasising balance between different humours ("doshas") tissues ("dhatu") and energetic/fluidic channels ("swedana"), Ayurveda focuses on eight components of medicine, from surgical techniques, the pacification of possessing spirits, veternenary medicines, epidemics and sexuality as the transmutation of erotic energy into spiritual energy. Regarded as a holistic approach to medicine, much in the same vein of Chinese medicine or Anthroposophic Medicine.

Baader-Meinhof Phenomenon, the:

The experience of one, having been exposed to something, begins to see it everywhere. Named for the ruthless pro-communist terrorist group the Baader-Meinhof Gang also known as "the "Red Army Faction," or "RAF." who terrorised Germany with bombings and political killings from 1970-1993 before their dissolution in 1998. In their heyday, lead by female revolutionaries, Gudrun Enslin and Ulrike Meinhof.

Baby Boomers, The:

Demographic cohort born between 1946 and 1964 out of the "baby boom" that occurred after World War II, but following the Silent Generation and Generation X. Considered the wealthiest, fittest and most optimistic generation in human history, Baby Boomers enjoyed a period of increasing economic prosperity and as such expected the general condition of the world to improve over time. The Baby Boomers' generational identity is one of contradiction for example, collectively organising against The Vietnam War while being drafted to fight and die in the same war, or giving rise to the countercultural movements against the cultural institutions of "The Man," whilst themselves becoming The Man as their wealth and influence increased. The Boomers are seen as heralding the wave of "free love" and the drug-friendly "hippie" counterculture epitomised by cultural events such as Woodstock, only to regret and spurn the counterculture in favour of more conservative values throughout the 1980s. Boomers were the first generation to experience the rise of pop music, beginning with Beatlemania and continuing through Motown before the Boomers themselves introduced musical genres that deconstructed pop music itself, such as Psychodelia, Heavy metal and Punk Rock. Even more importantly, Boomers were the first generation to grow up with television, witnessing world-changing events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Civil Rights movement in the U.S., Political uprisings in France (and generally abroad) The Apollo 11 Moonwalk, and the rise of mass media epistomised by the Assassinations of JFK, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr. Regarded as the epitome of hypocrisy by Generation X and the Millennials alike; the worst stewards of economic prosperity in human history, the Boomers are credited with a mixed bag of excessive consumerism that produced some of the most iconic and celebrated pop culture of all time. See, Dinosaur Media.

Bad Robot:

From Geek culture, Hollywood production company founded by Director J.J. Abrams. Best known for rebooting iconic film and television franchises, such as Star Wars and Star Trek into schlock-filled soap opera with dark tone, hipster dialogue, superficial action and political virtue signalling. Also known as "Bad Reboot." The only people working in 2019 Hollywood, apparently. See, Cultural Vandalism.

Beaucoup:

From French, also Vietnam War slang, Many; galore.

Banality of Evil, The:

From Literature, a reference to the 1963 book of the same name by Hannah Arendt, in which she argued that the Western cultural understanding of evil had shifted during The Holocaust. Where evil was previously understood as a radical descision made against common morality, humanity–in the form of German National Socialism–had crossed a threshold into evil manifesting as everyday behaviour normalised by the society in which one resides.

Beta Male:

Zoological concept appropriated into internet lexicon meaning stereotypically undesirable masculine characteristics, such as: physical weakness, hypersensitivity, people pleaser syndrome, low self-esteem, self-deprecation, submission to dominant social or political orthodoxies. Not necessarily low-status or lacking material wealth. May be related to, but not exclusively associated with virtue signalling and Social Justice Warriors. Also known as "cucks," or "soyboys." See, Alpha Male, Sigma Male, hypergamous selection.

Biopsy:

The removal of sample tissues from the body for diagnostic analysis.

Blitzkrieg:

“Lightning War” a method of attack utilised by the German Whermacht during World War II, consisting of fast, densely concentrated attacks by mechanized infantry with close air support, meant to overwhelm dislocate and encircle a defensive line.

Boutique Bolshevism:

To espouse an economic philosophy based in Critical Theory or social justice, from the comfort of an expensive laptop, or current-year iPhone.

Briffault's Law:

Proposed by French surgeon Robert Briffault: "The female, not the male, determines the conditions of the animal family. Where the female can derive no benefit from association with a male, no such association takes place." Theorised, but not proven, to exist in human populations. Treated as law by the internet regardless. See, Hypergamous Selection.

C-PTSD:

From Psychology, "Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder." Any psychological disorder that develops in response to prolonged, repeated interpersonal trauma in which an individual has no chance of escape. Demonstrated by feelings of terror, worthlessness, helplessness and loss of identity and/or self. See, Emotional Flashback.

Californication:

A portmanteau of "California" and "Fornication," describes the process by which a secondary American city, suburb, or rural area, is culturally and economically mutated as a result of the mass relocation of California citizens to other cities. Associated with gentrification, rising cost-of-living and a hyper-sexualised, consumer-driven American culture that extols the virtues of materialism and celebrity. Popularised by reality television, which blurs, if not erases, the demarcation between the fantasy of Hollywood and middle-class American reality. See, California Refugee and Atomisation.

California Refugee:

Any person who–for reasons of rising cost-of-living and over-legislation–leaves any major city within the U.S. State of California for a smaller, more affordable American city. They then proceed to mutate their adopted city into the very California cluster$&!# they just left through buying up real estate, pricing out native residents, voting in excessive tax policies and expensive social programs. See, Californication, Death by a Thousand cuts.

Camera Department:

Crew group on a standard (IATSE) film or commercial production typically comprised of the Director of Photography, 1 ^st Assistant Cameraman, 2 ^nd Assistant Cameraman, Camera Operator, Camera Utility/Trainee, and Digital Imaging Technician (DIT).

Cancer:

A deadly cellular disease wherein malignant neoplasms invade surrounding tissues and metastasize throughout the body.

Cancel Culture:

An anti-free-speech mindset, manifested by social media, mass-media, elevated to a virtue and used to "deplatform" countercultural critique of any dominant ideology.

Carcinoma:

Cancer, or an invasive malignant tumour that tends to metastasize throughout the body.

Carcinomic:

Of or relating to Cancer.

Causal Model:

A model which represents a cause and effect relationship between any two variables.

Causal Relationship:

The relationship established that shows that a given independent variable, alone, causes a change in a given dependent variable.

Causality:

A relation between cause and effect.

CEA:

“Carcinoembryonic antigen,” A glycoprotein present in the cells of adults having certain cancers. In a clinical setting it is used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments such as Radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Cheeky:

From British Slang, meaning slightly rude or showing no respect. but often in a funny way. Alternatively from American slang, a type of women's underwear hemmed between "panties" and "boyshorts" that shows off the bottom of the buttocks.

Chemotherapy:

Any cancer treatment that uses anti-cancer drugs as a part of a regimented system of treatment. Typically employs toxins that selectively destroy cancerous tissue. Also referred to as "chemo."

Chronosystem:

One of the five environmental subsystems from mecosystem theory. Comprised of transitional influences that play out over the lifespan, War, economic cycles, environmental catastrophes.

CIPN:

Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. A series of symptoms derived from damage to peripheral nerves, which are responsible for motor control and sensation. A potentially disabling side-effect of chemotherapy treatments.

Climatarian:

An individual who adheres to all climate change trends, to a degree beyond what could be considered reasonable, often as a substitute for genuine life purpose or meaningful social bonds.

Climate Change:

The currently accepted term for what used to be called "global warming," which before that was called "global cooling," but before that was called "the weather." Explained in part by the hyopthesis of Serbian geophysicist Milutin Milanković, asserting gravitational interactions with other bodies in our solar system affect Earth's orbital eccentricty, axial tilt and axial precession, collectively affecing Earth's climate over millenia. Core samples taken from around the planet support the Milanković hypothesis, however some argue the length of the climate record is incufficiently short to establish causality between climate and orbital eccentricity. Athropogenic (human caused) climate change remains controversial, with scientific debate sidelined by ideological bickering and political gamesmanship. Critics argue climate change is merely the promotion of a socialist or technocratic agenda, while their opponents argue climate change criticism as an artifact of pro-capitalist ideology. The term "climate change denial" subconsiously parallels holocaust denial, elevating climate change to an unassailable and inevitable monolithic position in the cultural lexicon.

Cloward-Piven Strategy:

A political strategy outlined in 1966 by sociologists Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven that outlined an intentional overload of the U.S. Public Welfare System causing an liability crisis and the eventual replacement of said system with a guaranteed annual income as a means of ending poverty.

Codependent:

Relating to a social relationship in which a person is psychologically dependent on another.

Coopetition:

A portmanteau of "cooperation," and "competiton," describing a situation wherein members cooperate in the production of a commodity while competing with each other for scarce opportunities for participation in the production of commodities. The de facto state of the creative industry.

Cold War, The:

Period of global tensions that existed between 1945 and 1991 between the world's preeminent superpowers arising out of world War II: The United States of America and the U.S.S.R. (Soviet Union). Characterised by a state of Détente, a nuclear arms race, the constant looming threat of nuclear annihilation, proxy warfare, civil unrest, diplomatic meddling in former European colonial holdings throughout the "third-world" and semiotic warfare through media and entertainment. Gave rise to the return of genre cinema (i.e. The Western, the War Movie, James Bond) as well as the Space Race. Commonly assumed the United States won the Cold War when the U.S.S.R. Collapsed in 1991, some sources argue both sides ultimately lost through bankruptcy; the U.S.S.R. literally, the United States morally. See, DEFCON 2, Demoralisation, Dialectic, Glasnost and Perestroika.

Collectivism:

The antithesis of individualism which states the interests of the collective outweigh the interests of the individual and that individuals must serve the collective. An aspect of fascism—including strains of authoritarian communism, utilitarianism and limited applications of liberal democracy— all incorporate collectivism to varying degrees.

Colostomy:

Any surgically created artificial excretory orifice from the colon.

Corpocracy:

Economic and political system controlled by corporate interests. See, Hybrid Warfare.

Correlation:

A non-cause and effect relationship between two variables.

Correlation Does Not Imply Causation:

From logic, the inability to find a cause-and-effect relation between two variables solely on the basis of an observed association or correlation between them.

Cortisol:

A steroid hormone involved in carbohydrate and protein metabolism, produced by the adrenal gland and related to the stress response.

Covariate:

A product of the correlation of two related variables times their standard deviations. Used in true experiments to measure the difference of treatment between them.

CRT:

Cathode-Ray Tube. A vacuum-tube display utilising electron guns to display images. Known for an interlaced, "grainy" look.

Critical Theory:

A field of study that evaluates intellectual approaches to the analysis or interpretation of works of art, literature, or other cultural artifacts. Applies Marxist, and deconstructionist theoretical frameworks to Western institutions, assumptions and power structures. Criticised as possessing an ideological preoccupation with Western Power Structures, whilst ignoring or excusing the power structures present in other cultural frameworks such as Islamic Theocracy, or Communism. See, Culture Wars, The, Social Justice Warriors, and Deconstructionism.

Cryptocurrency:

A digital asset designed to function as a medium of exchange. Alternatively, the transmutation of hard currency, as a tactile representation of time and labour, into a theoretical abstract concurrent with the transition of power from state to corporations or financial institutions. Related to HyperNormalisation and Technocracy.

CrossFit:

A fitness regime and lifestyle characterised by effective exercise and sound nutrition. Considered by some to have a cult following. Alternatively, "CultFit," or "the Scientology of fitness."

Crossover:

A recent introduction to the automobile market: a bland, generic class of car, hybridised from the Sedan and the SUV. Merely, a re-marketing of the station wagon as an all-in-one vehicle of middle-class social status and hyper-practicality. Alternatively, how female-centric consumerism ressucitated the U.S. Automobile industry, while simultaneously smothering the car; Argued as a side-effect of the 80% female dominance in consumer household spending (and the husbands who "yes, Dear" them). Also referred to as "commutermobiles," or "grocery-getters."

CT/CAT Scan:

Computerised Tomography Scan. Combines X-Ray images taken in cross-section of the body. Able to image Tumours as small as 1cm (1 million cancer cells).

Cult of Personality:

A situation arising from the use of propoganda, mass media, the big lie, spectacle, the arts, jingoism, and government organised spectacle to create an idealised, heroic, venerative persona of a nation's regime or leader.

Cultural Fit:

Congratulations! You were deemed upper middle-class, white, socially relevant, popular and politically correct enough to recieve this job offer complete with 130% of your salary requirements! We are so stoked to have yet another carbon copy of ourselves on board and are looking forward to your contribution to our creative team! Cheers!

Culturalworkers:

Technicians and creative professionals working in the arts, media or advertising, including creative directors, cinematographers, photographers, designers, and graphic artists.

Cultural Vandalism:

From Geek culture, the willful act of utilising modern folklore, such as in cinema–manifested in intellectual properties such as Disney era Star Wars and Kurtzman era Star Trek–for current-day political messaging. Seen in fan culture as antithetical to the allegorical and escapist function of genre art forms See, Grievance Monger and Virtue Signalling.

Culture Wars, The:

A semiotic battle between the diametrically opposed ideologies of Western individualism–manifested generally by Capitalism and Republican Liberal Democracy and the collectivist philosophies embodied by Marxism. Begun in the late 1960s and played out through mass media such as television, cinema and increasingly social media. Alternatively, "media wars," or "right vs. left paradigm." See, meme warfare.

Curated Authenticity:

An effect of social media wherein visual media is presented with a clean, filtered, "dialed-in" aesthetic, that empahsises product over experience while creating a sense of saudade in the consumer. For example: perfectly plated gourmet food lit with diffuse digetic lighting. Also refers to aspects of a brand or influencer persona finessed to feel authentic, yet contains high production value; often marketed to build brand affiliation arising from "gassroots" associations.

Cyberpunk:

Subgenre of fiction and media entertainment related to science fiction, involving transhumanist elements such as, "jacking-in", or downloading one's consciousness into a computer or networked system; artificial intelligence, the enhancements of physical or cognitive capabilities through cybernetics or genetic manipulation. Characterised by gritty future dystopia where corporations have replaced nation states as the prevailing social order and information is currency. Notable examples include, Neuromancer, Mona Lisa Overdrive, Ghost in the Shell, Appleseed, The Matrix, Cyberpunk 2077, Bladerunner and Shadowrun. See, Technocracy.

D4:

In Chess, the "Queen's Pawn Opening," white moves a pawn to a pivotal black square that forms the central axis upon which control is negotiated in positional chess tactics. Considered aggressive and a declaration of central control over the board. Subsequent moves, as white develops, alows white to take a broad offensive stance with which black must contend.

D20:

A twenty-sided polyhedral gaming die. Used to make "skill checks" in tabletop roleplaying games such as Dungeons & Dragons.

Darwinian Selection:

The evolutionary conditions theorized by Charles Darwin wherein species are exposed to ecological pressures which drives the processes of Natural Selection.

Death by a Thousand Cuts:

Known as "Lingchi," or "the Lingering Death," a slow slicing method used as a form of torture and execution in china from 900 CE to 1905. Used by social commentators, particularly Libertarians, as a metaphor for over-legislation.

Death Cult:

Refers to a Semiotic modality comprised or themes, or social attitudes that extoll the virtues of abstaining from procreation or the transmission of cultural ideas and heritage to suceeding generations. A possible side-effect of mass consumerism. Related to, but not excusively of, post-colonialism and critical theory.

Death-Toll Decathlon:

An aspect of the eternal debate: socialists/marxists vs. libretarians/conservatives; one camp argues Communism (94m) as the leading cause of death from 1900 to 2000, while their opponents insist Western Capitalism is a monolithic project responsible for the deaths of 2m people since the 16^th century. Both are dead wrong, as the death toll owed to natural disasters, ecological entropy, disease and old age far exceed the total ideological death toll (142m), clearly rendering Mother Nature as the leading cause of human deaths since the Middle Pleistocene–thus woefully under petitioned in reparations causes: "The Mt. Toba eruption 75,000 years ago, murdered my mitochondrial grandparents! Reparations Now!"

Decompression:

The need to unwind after strenuous activity, superseding chores or other adult duties, such as housecleaning and caring for pets. Used as a cover up for depression or nihilism, involving alcohol and binge consumption of popular media, often hipster homework, which is then utilised to score affiliation and strokes.

Deconstructionism:

A philosophical theory of criticism (often of literature or cinema) that seeks out contradictions in a "text" or work by evaluating or subverting its form or genre motifs ("tropes"). Increasingly used by Hollywood to "re-boot" a genre or franchise, while courting the youth dollars of a mythical "woke" audience.

DEFCON 2:

“Defensive Condition Two.” United States Armed Forces Lexicon use to denote the alert state in response to perceived threats, particularly nuclear threats. Comprised of five levels increasing severity from DEFCON 5 (Least severe) to DEFCON 1 (Most Severe).

Democratic Socialism:

As socialism is to communism as ZIMA is to liquor: "Holodnaya zima," lit. "cold winter" in Russian.

Demonetisation:

Internet neologism refering to the act of stripping advertising dollars from content produced by independent content creators. The practice emerged on ideological grounds, where alleged libretarian, conservative, alt-right and non-leftist media were demonetised on YouTube, Facebook and twitter, due to alleged left-wing bias in the media industry. Considered a violation of free speech and "tech censorship." Debate to determine the legal classification of online media outlets as platforms or publishers will determine the legality of demonetisation. Increasingly practised by large media corporations such as Disney and CBS who routinely request the demontisation of their critics. See, Fandom Menance, The and Woke Hollywood.

Demoralisaion:

The first of the four stages of ideological subversion outlined by Soviet Defector Yuri Bezmenov in a 1985 exposé detailing KBG operations to subvert American Culture through media. The four stages are Demoralisation, Destabilisation, Crisis, Normalisation. See, Frankfurt School.

Denorming:

Desribes the unraveling of Bruce Tuckman's stages of group development (1965), specifically the "Norming" Stage. Where Norming involves conflict as the driver of intimacy and problem solving, Denorming involves the use of conflict as a tool for atomisation, Frankfurt School.

Détente:

From International relations, a slight easing of tensions between adversaries, with the implicit guarantee of future hostility.

Deviation:

The distance between the mean and a particular data point in a given distribution.

Dialectic:

Also known as "the Dialectical method," from philosophy, a process associated with Hegel involving the arrival of a truth by stating a thesis, developing a contradictory antithesis and resolving each into a coherent synthesis. Used in sociopolitical contexts to refer to the process of change through the conflict of opposing forces, often managed by an entity with no ties to either side.

Diegesis:

A fiction that presents an interior view of the narrative in which details about the world itself and the experiences of its characters are presented through the narrative. Also rated to, "diegetic," existing or ocurring within the world of the narrative.

Digital Faith:

Attributed to Canadian Author Douglas Coupland, who in researching his 1995 book Microserfs, realised that Microsoft employees gave little thought to "eternal issues," that "machines become the totem they imbue with sacred properties, wishes, hopes, goals, desires, dreams..." The precursor for the contemporary tech cult around which American Industrial life revolves; all industries are related to big Tech, rely on big Tech for marketing, or distribution. Problems are expected to have Tech solutions and the meaning of our lives, our voting patterns and social associations are derived from immersion made possible by Tech through social media. See, Cyberpunk, Managerial Liberalism and Technocracy.

Dinosaur Media:

Mass Broadcast Media conglomerates–especially news outlets, such as CNN, the BBC, CBS, ABC, and NBC considered "mainstream." A dying form of media "infotainment" who are rapidly haemorrhaging relevance due to the death of their key demographic: the Baby Boomers. Also includes print media intstitutions such as newspapers and magazines.

Director of Photography:

Member of a standard (IATSE) film crew responsible for Directing the position, camera movement and lighting of a motion picture. Engaged in an endless battle against daylight, working closely with the Director, he or she supervises the Camera Department and on some sets operates the camera. Highly sought after and elite position within the industry. Alternatively, “cinematographer,” "DP" or “lighting cameraman”: "That was good for camera, but can we do one more (take) for safety?"

Dopamine:

Neurotransmitter involved in pleasure, motivation and learning.

Duginism:

Loose term for a political theory, formulated by Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin, that argues the social dominance of three political theories: Liberal democracy (1^st), Marxism and Fascism (2^nd and 3^rd, respecitvely) must inevitably be transcended by a fourth political theory yet to be fully articulated. Dugin argues the current milieu as stagnating in a postmodern evacuation of meaning, or nihilism; " 'the society of the spectacle' (constructing postmodernity,)" that whatever fourth theory that arises would be constructed from the marginalia of what was discarded.

Dungeons & Dragons:

Iconic tabletop roleplaying game created in 1974 by Gary Gygax. Considered the world's greatest roleplaying game. Also known as "D&D," and "girl repellant." The singularity at the heart of Generation X nostalgia.

Dysmorphia:

From Psychology, a mental condition characterised by an obsessive idea that one’s own body part is flawed and merits measures to “fix” or hide such flaws from others.

Echo Chamber:

Internet lexicon, a digital "space" existing in social media wherein users are exposed (often by choice) to beliefs that reinforce their pre-existing biases. Increasingly, echo chambers are assumed to arise from search alghorithms curating content on the basis of SEO Keywording. Related to philosopher slavoj Žižek's contention that individuals themselves do not know and their beliefs are mediated through identification with others. Alternatively, the extension of the High School cafeteria into the market, whereby bias manifests as tribal superstition.

Ecology:

The study of relationships between organisms and their environments.

Ego:

From Psychology, the Ego is the part of the psyche that aims to please the drives of the id through rational means. The mediator between id and reality.

Emic:

From anthropology, a research viewpoint from within the social group. See, Etic.

Emotional Flashback:

In psychoanalytic theory, the experience of reliving past traumas. Often associated with experiential or environmental "triggers." Confusing and distressing emotions related to past trauma that leave one feeling helpless, shamed or inadequate.

Empire, Culture of:

Milieu in which American pop culture–through Hollywood, social attitudes, unipolar military adventurism and the notion of American cultural hegemony as inevitable has shaped the Western sense of the ideal. Examples include, Iraqi death metal and Burger King in Mumbai.

Empirical Research:

"…the process of developing systematized knowledge gained from observations that are formulated to support insights and generalizations about the phenomena under study" (Lauer and Asher, 1988, p. 7)

Empiricism:

The idea that sensory experience is the root of all knowledge. See, a posteriori

Endoscopy:

The inspection of a body cavity by means of an endoscope.

Epigenetics:

The study of heritable changes in gene expression focused on the activation or deactivation of genes. Thought to be influenced by ecological factors.

Epistemology:

Branch of Philosophy concerned with the study of knowledge itself. Different epistemologies attempt to understand the mechanics of understanding. Kant: "What are the conditions of human understanding?" Russell: "How can modern science be justified by appeals to the senses?" Locke: "How does human understanding operate?" Žižek: "Is false belief the precondition for gaining knowledge?"

Equitism:

Corporate hiring phenomenon wherein virtue signalling about a company's Diversity, Inclusion & Equity (interestingly, "D.I.E.") hiring mandates amongst HR professionals is prioritised over actually hiring diverse candidates.

Equity Derivative:

A neologism reappropriated from finance, the degree to which Equitism in corporate hiring replicates the demographics of the hiring department, typically HR. See, Intergroup bias, Grievance Profiteer and Narcissism.

Essentialism:

The notion that every being (and by extention social groups) possess a set of attributes that are vital to its identity and function; these attributes are permanent, unalterable and eternal. Psychologist Paul Bloom attempted to assert that people will pay more for the unwashed clothing of celebrity athletes simply out of a primal understanding those articles possess (in the lingering sweat and grime) an essential "essence" of the athlete's power, or capturing a tactile artifact of a specific experience, such as a chapionship game. Critics suggest that essentialism, when considered in the context of biology, lends itself to a certain determinism paving the way for -isms (racism, sexism).

Ethics:

From Philosophy, the science of right conduct and character; the attempt to codify human responsibilities to self and others. A system of principles concerning morality.

Etic:

From anthropology, a research viewpoint from outside the social group. See, Emic.

Existential Indecision:

A state of arrested development pertaining to one's livelihood, or social position, manifested by a perceived exclusion due to failure to adhere to binary and opposed dominant social orthodoxies, such as Social Justice vs. the Alt-Right. See, Gene Death.

Existential Urgency:

A collective experience, induced by marketing or TV programming, of time slipping away. Attributed to the American TV Series 24 as Jack Bauer races against the clock to stop an act of terrorism; each commercial break bookended by a close up of a digital clock counting down, suggesting to the viewer an amount of time has elapsed, equivalent to the diegetic narrative–as if the events therein are ongoing even during the commercials.

Exosystem:

One of the five environmental subsystems from mecosystem theory. Comprised of indirect but prominent social influences such as socioeconomic status and the associated opportunity costs.

5-FU:

Fluorouracil. A chemotherapy drug used as part of the FOLFOX regimen for treatment of colorectal cancer. Common side effects include inflammation of the mouth, loss of appetite, low blood cell counts, hair loss, and inflammation of the skin.

Faffing:

From British slang, to waste time, "get no place fast," "dilly-dally," or "burn daylight," doing aimless tasks. Related to, but not necessarily of, procrastination.

Fandom Menace, The:

From Geek culture, a reference to Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. An online community of independent content-creators and self identified "geeks" opposed to the infusion of political messaging and Grievance Mongering in contemporary pop-culture; critiquing popular art forms such as cinema and comic books for political messaging. see, Cultural Vandalism, and Grievance Industry.

Fianchetto:

In Chess, "the little flank," a developing move in Chess involving the movement of a bishop to the second rank of the adjacent b- or g- file, the Knight pawn having been moved two squares forward. A staple of modern chess tactics meant to disrupt and undermine the development of a centre dominant strategy.

Fight/Flight/Freeze/Fawn:

The fight-or-flight response, described in the 1920s by American psychologist Walter Cannon, involving an innate physioloigical response to a percieved environmental threat. The model was expanded upon to include psysiological reactions to emotional flashbacks brought on by prior life trauma; particularly through the work of Psychologist Pete Walker's additions of the "Fawn" response to percieved narcissistic abuse.

1. Fight - "Power will promise the security/control I lacked in childhood."
2. Flight - "Being perfect will ensure I am loved and protect me from abandonment"
3. Freeze - "I can't trust others, only myself. I'll feel better when I am alone."
4. Fawn - "If I can just give others whatever they desire, I will be loved and never abandoned."

See, Codependency, Narcissism, and Allostatic Load.

Focus Group:

The 1950s had 12 Angry Men, sat in a room stewing in their own biases, deciding the fate of a teen accused of patricide. The 2020s have 12 cynical demographically diverse humxns, sat in a room stewing in their own consumer addiction, pretending to decide the market efficacy of a derivative, sweat-shop-made-by-corporate-committee consumer product, political campaign, or feature film. See, Sturgeon's Law.

FOLFOX:

A chemotherapy regimen for treatment of colorectal cancer, comprised of the drugs FOL “Folinic acid” (Leucovorin), F “Fluorouracil (5-FU), and OX “Oxaliplatin (Eloxatin). FOLFOX₄, and FOLFOX₆, are the two standard phases of treatment for colorectal cancers by chemotherapy.

Frankfurt School, The:

A group of researchers associated with the Institute for Social Research in Frankfurt am Main, Germany who applied Marxist social theory and critical philosophy to interdisciplinary studies, thus founding the sociological movement now known as Critical Theory See, Postmodernism, Social Justice Warriors.

Gamification:

The application of game design elements and principles in non-gaming contexts. The reduction of daily human tasks, or interactions, to instances of dopamine dispenation. See, Dopamine.

Gemütlich:

German, "Pleasing," "Comfortable."

Gene Death:

The result of social exclusion whereby reproductive opportunities are nullified by ostracism from the tribe or other Human group. Considered a semiotic concern. The avoidance of gene death may drive individual human beings to conform to social consensus.

Generation X:

Demographic cohort used in marketing, research and popular media following the Baby Boomers but preceding the Millenials. Born between 1965 and 1984. Gen Xers were part of a time of shifting societal values, reduced parental supervision, increasing divorce rates, and social atomisation. The youngest generation to remember The Cold War, growing up in the 1970s and early 1980s amidst the constant threat of Nuclear Holocaust, Gen Xers adpated to an increasingly bleak outlook on the future. This reflected in the media they consumed, also called the “MTV Generation,” Gen Xers were often viewed as “slackers,” “cynics” and "nihilists." Cultural influences on Gen X youth included Punk, Grunge, Hip Hop and Independent films as well as historical milestones like Chernobyl, the Challenger Distaster, the Tian Nan Men Square protests and the fall of The Berlin Wall. Self-characterised as "the last generation with any common sense." Often regarded as echoing the spirit of the Lost Generation after World War I but more akin to the Silent Generation between the G.I. Generation and the Baby Boomers .

Generation Y:

Also known as "Millennials," the demographic cohort following Generation X, born between 1984 and 1996. Characterised as the generation who came of age during the Information Age, comfortable in the use of social media and other digital technologies. Also referred to as "Echo Boomers," being the largest generational cohort since the Baby Boomers. Self-described as "unprepared for adulthood," Gen Y are considered by Gen Xers and Baby Boomers to have experienced an unprecedented extended adolescence. Adult responsibilities such as economic productivity, parenthood and home ownership were delayed in part by a narcissistic consumer culture that extolled the virtues of careerism and status-seeking in a vaporising economy. Regarded in popular media as a collectivist political entity, prone to naive social ideologies and attitudes, Gen Y are often characterised as narcissistic, conformists; making their necessity a virtue by championing socialism and Critical Theory as a last-ditch attempt to attain the material wealth enjoyed by the Baby Boomers.

Generation Z:

Demographic cohort following Generation Y or Millennials, born in the mid- to late 1990s. Often the children of Baby Boomers, Gen Xers or Millennials. The first “digital natives.” Often viewed as being atomised, socially awkward compared to previous generations who experienced more face-to-face interaction and considered markedly more socially conservative than their Millennial counterparts.

Gestalt:

German; “form” or “the shape of things.” The notion that organisms perceive the patterns of large configurations in environment or social structure, rather than individual components.

G.I. Generation:

Generation born between 1901 and 1927, shaped by The Great Depression and World War II. From G.I. "Government Issue," or "General Issue," a term used to describe American soldiers drafted into World War II. Idealised and venerated for their participation in the War. The generation to which all subsequent generations are compared, justly or unjustly. Also known as "The Greatest Generation."

Gig Economy:

An economy wherein incidental or short-term employment is commonplace. Driven by on-demand Tech-based services such as Über, Postmates, Door Dash, and Lyft. Creates the illusion of a booming economy with greater workforce participation, while enabling understaffed Tech startups to employ workers at little to no cost to themselves. This is achieved by classifying workers as "independent contractors," relying on them to utilise their personal resources such as vehicles or mobile phones at their own personal expense, and relying on tipping to excuse their paying less than minimum wage. Wages are also not guranteed, as platform outgaes or low demand results in lower payouts. See, Precariat.

Glasnost:

Lit. "openness," a policy spearheaded by Mikhail Gorbachev during the Perestroika of the 1980s in the U.S.S.R., exolling the virtues of government transparency and a reformation of the Soviet economic system through decentralisation and openness to Western capital investments.

Godwin's Law:

Internet adage asserting that as an online discussion continues the probability of an arguement involving Nazis or Adolf Hitler approaches 1, at which point, the discussion often ends.

Gonzo:

Coined by Journalist Hunter S. Thompson, used to describe a style of journalism where in the reader is presented with an energetic first-person narrative of a story characterised with social-critique and self-satire. Sarcasm, humour, profanity and exaggeration as devices to present absolute truth are common hallmarks.

Granola:

Denizen of a suburban white middle-class neighbourhood who engages in commercialised New Age trends (loosely appropriated from non-Western spiritual practice) involving crystals or "energies." Often seen in Patagonia shirts, a North Face backpack, Nalgene or Camelbak waterbottle (carabiner attached) parking their Subaru crossovers or SUVs in the most crowded places farthest away from nature, such as an urban shopping mall or upscale restauraunt. See, Portland.

Great War, The:

World War I, a global war originating in Europe between July 1914 through 11 November 1918. The first "mechanised war," wherein tanks, machine guns and aircraft were deployed for the first time ever in human history. Characterised by trench warfare, mustard gas and mis-application of medieval tactics to machanised warfare. Believed to have killed 11 million worldwide. Lead directly to the postwar Influenza Pandemic which further killed another 50 million. Established the foreign poilicies of major world powers for the duration of the 20^th century. Aurgued by some as an epigenetic turning point for humanity, directly leading to the birth of postmodernism. See, Lost Generation, The.

Greaser:

From American slang, 1950s working-class subculture, style of dress and aesthetics including black leather motorcycle jackets, cuffed white T-shirts, cuffed selvedge jeans, Wayfarer sunglasses and heavily pomaded hair. Derived from iconic American Hollywood films such as, Rebel Without a Cause (1955), The Wild One (1953) and Badlands (1973). Often associated with Motorcycles, Hot-Rod cars, Rockabilly music and general disdain for middle-class American Values; The "proto-Punks."

Grenzsituationen:

From Psychology, a "limit situation," or "border situation" in which a person can be said to have atypical experiences from those arising from ordinary, everyday situations.

Grievance Industry:

The infiltration of any existing industry by social activist sensibilities wherein the aesthetics and primary function of that industry is hijacked to serve often competing activisms. Also referring to the degree to which the profit motive of an activist organisation disincentivises the solving of a social or structural problem. See, Social Justice Warrior.

Grievance Mongering:

Also referred to as "guilt-based marketing," the blatant use of politics and/or social concern, elevated as virtue through advertising, to drive brand affiliation. See, Virtue Signalling.

Grievance Profiteer:

A play on "war profiteer," one who uses a social issue to attain a position of high-status or influence (i.e. media) ostensibly for the aim of using their influence to correct perceived injustice. They proceed to filibuster on solutions, thus justifying their position and lining their pockets; a "huckster."

Grip:

A member of a motion picture or television crew who works with lighting/electrical, rigging, or camera movement devices such as Dollies or Cranes.

Große Lüge:

German, "the big lie," propaganda technique attributed to Adolf Hitler who, in his 1925 book Mein Kampf, wrote of a lie so monumental that no one would believe anyone could distort the truth. Alternatively, the notion that to tell a lie big enough, often enough, will ensure a popular will come to believe it; attributed to Hitler's propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels.

Gy:

Gray. A derived unit of radiation dose used to measure the absorption of one joule of radiation per kilogram of matter.

Head-Canon:

From Geek Culture, individualised version of the narrative of a story in the wake of disppointing sequels or prequels: "Luke throws his lightsaber away in Return of the Jedi, motivating Vader to turn against the Emperor and redeem himself, tries to kill his own nephew because he senses the sark side in him? Not in my head-canon!" See, Fandom Menace, The.

Hanlon's Razor:

From Philosophy, an aphorism: "never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by incompetence (or stupidity)." Drawn by Robert J. Hanlon from Occam's Razor.

HeLa Cell Line:

The first immortal cell line. Used in medical research. See, Lacks, Henrietta.

Hierarchy:

Arrangement or categorization of things or people into ranks or grades.

Hipster:

The ultimate in Punk Collectivism, the anticlimactic evolutionary dead-end of all subcultures. Characterised by a nihilistic reappropriation of aesthetic hallmarks, from disparate eras, hardened into hangup; craving the same heedless consumerism of the Baby Boomers while attempting to assuage consumer guilt with virtue signalling. See, Millennials and Portland.

Hipster Homework:

From Pop Culture, attributed to comedian Dana Gould, describing a genre of popular media, usually television–often streaming–that is consumed less out of enjoyment and more to score points in Hipster circles for the purposes of virtue signalling, or appearing relevant to the collective. Entertainment reduced to chores for social interaction; the Hipster equivalent of discussing sports. Common examples include, Mad Men, Arrested Devlopment, The O.C. and Parks and Recreation.

Homeopathy:

A system for treating disease based in the axiom," an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Conducted by exposing a healthy body to minute doses of a drug in order to produce symptoms akin to those experienced by a given disease. Lit. "imilia similibus curentur," or "like cures like." Popularised by the work of Rudolph Steiner who, along with Ita Wegman, devised Anthroposophic medicine, a method of disease treatment involving massage, exercise, psychotherapy and microdosing. Alternatively, what constituted medicine before coporations, the government and lawyers got involved. See, Anthroposophic medicine.

Homeostasis:

A state of equilibrium in an organic cell, maintained by self-regulatory processes. See, Allostasis.

Horseshoe Theory:

A political formulation from Jean-Pierre Faye in 1996, arguing the extremes of the political spectrum represented totalitarianism of different kinds, and should not be expressed as linear, with the far-left and far-right being distant from each other, but as a horseshoe where the far ends are closer to each other than at the centre. Alternatively, a hedge used by centrists against gene death. See, Existential Indecision.

HR:

Human Resources. Often seen, particularly by Generation X as a non-value added component of many large companies. Notorious for free-for-all hiring based on favoritism, nepotism and increasingly Equitism. Also known as "Human Remains."

Human Condition, The:

The characteristics and situations which comprise the essentials of human existence; birth, growth, emotionality, cognition, aspiration, conflict, mortality and death. Alternatively, a marketing buzzword used to peddle books about existential angst to hipsters.

Hybrid Warfare:

From Geopolitics, describing war conducted by a mix of conventional and unconvential means: armed conflict, information, "fake news" semiotics and cyberwarfare; a nauseating state of limbo between reality and curated information. Associated with Jürgen Habermas' theory of “mediasteered subsystems” wherein the market and bureaucracies both public and private are steered by "media" (speech, money and power).

Hypergamous Selection:

Zoological concept appropriated into internet lexicon. Refers to the sexual selection mechanisms, employed subconsciously, by the female of a species to judge the genetic fitness of a male for purposes of procreation. These criteria can include: physical resilience, social status, material wealth, ingenuity and dominance. In human populations, the engine that drives male productivity through encouraging competition amongst males to ensure sexual selection. Thus, the very source of civilisation itself. See, Alpha Male, Beta Male, Sigma Male.

HyperNormalisation:

From British filmmaker Adam Curtis' 2016 film HyperNormalisation, in which Curtis argues, since the 1970s government, financiers and big tech have abandoned the complex "real world" for a utopian "fake world" run by corporations and kept stable by politicians. A New World Order, but not necessarily the "New World Order."

Hyper-Practicality:

An effect of the promotion of function over form in design principles, contributing to a loss of aesthetic value in consumer products from automobiles to appliances. Attributed to the growing influence of tech startups who emphaise the "build" of a product over its aesthetics or longevity. See, Crossover.

IATSE:

International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees. A labour union representing technicians and craftspersons in the entertainment industry, including motion picture and television production. Also used by those in the entertainment industry to demarcate production rules and best-practises, "union-shoot," vs. "non-union shoot." See, IATSE Local 600.

IATSE Local 600:

The International Cinematographers Guild. A division of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees specifically organised for the motion picture camera department. Considered elite and the top of the cinematography game. See, IATSE.

Iconoclasm:

The defacing of icons, or act of challenging the cherished beliefs or doctrines of traditional institutions, especially when regarded as superstition. A hallmark of Cold War era Cinema such as, Seven Samurai (1954), Paths of Glory (1957), Psycho (1960), Cool Hand luke (1967), Hang 'Em High (1968), Bury Me An Angel (1971),Blazing Saddles (1974) and They Live (1988), which venerated the individual standing in opposition to a normalised, corrupt social order or taking retribution into their own hands.

Id:

From Psychology. The part of the psyche that is unconscious and serves as the seat of instinctual impulses, and the satisfaction of primitive desires in Fruedian psychoanalytic theory

Ideological Purity:

A subjective standard or "correct thinking" or "right-think" used to assess the conformism of an individual to a group consensus or social orthodoxy. See, Ungezeifer

Ileocæcal:

Pertaining to the valve between the small intestine and the colon.

ILS Glide-Path/Approach:

From Aviation, "Instrument Landing System," a precision approach to an airport runway utilising radio beams to provide vertical and horizontal guidance to pilots on final approach to land.

Influencer illuminati:

Social Media personalities who, after years of obscurity and grassroots content ideation, suddenly exhibit a marked increase in production value and media presence at the hands of an unseen benefactor. Their percieved credibility amongst their hardcore audience subsequently craters amid accussations of "selling out" to the very globalists they once criticised. See, Psyops and Woke Wunderkind.

Intergroup Bias:

From Psychology, also known as "in-group–out-group bias," or " in-group preference." A pattern involving favouring members of one's own group expressed in the evaluation of others, typically out of associating observed traits or behaviours with groups. Believed to be a survival adaptation arising from direct resource competition "realistic conflict theory," or psychological drives such as the need to improve self-esteem "social identity theory." Hormones such as Oxytocin are theorised to be involved as research by Carsten De Dreu illustrates a correlation between Oxytocin and trust, especially between individuals with similar characteristics. This is theorised to have evolved to facillitate in-group cooperation and protection.

Intersectionality:

From Critical Theory, a theoretical framework used to describe the degree to which social inequality is experienced as an "intersection" of multiple percieved oppressions. Rooted in Marxist critical theory and essentialism; refutes the individualist ideal proposed by Western Enlightenment philosophers, instead regarding individuals as members of monolithic social groups which conform to shared experience or behaviours. Critics point out the use of immutable characteristics (i.e. race, or sex) as substitutions for a Marxist sense of "class" leading to special priviledge codified into policy; ironically atomises a population by pitting social groups against each other in an ideological battle royale of victimisation. Alternatively, the Magic: the Gathering of sociopolitical activism, reducing human beings to mere weaponised traits: "As a disabled trans-black LGBT woman of colour, I experience racism, sexism, ableism and transphobia!" See, Collectivism, Culture Wars, The, Deconstructionism social constructivism, Social Justice Warriors, and Useful Idiots.

Istaphobe:

Portmanteau used within internet Geek culture to mock the defamatory characterisation of critics of woke culture by intersectionalists as -ist ("racist", "sexist") and/or possessing "phobias" of other minority/marginalised groups: "If you don't like Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, you're an istaphobe!" See, Social Justice Warriors.

Jejune:

Immature; childish. Alternatively, lacking in some way, "not worth a dog's arse."

Jungian Archetypes:

Proposed by Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung, the archetypes are universal patterns and images arising from a collective unconscious as a manifestation of human instinct. They appear in myths, religions, stories and even dreams in the form of motifs, such the flood, the child, the sage, the trickster. Utilised by the arts, they embody the core existential struggles of a culture or a people, enabling the narrative to become allegorical to the conflicts or core values of a society. See, Monomyth.

K/Selection:

Sexual reproductive strategy employed by organisms whose ecology demands a long gestational period. Tends to produce fewer offspring who require greater resources to ensure survival, long-term pair bonding amongst parents, more complex social-structures and higher IQs. For example, Wolves. See, r/Selection and Hypergamous Selection.

Kang:

From Star Trek. Legendary Klingon Warrior and Dahar Master who once antagonised James T. Kirk. Part of a heroic trio of Klingon Dahar Masters. See, Koloth, Kor.

Koloth:

From Star Trek. Considered more bureaucrat than Warrior, Koloth was a Klingon Captain who faced off against James T. Kirk twice over Tribbles. Died gloriously in battle fulfilling a "blood oath." Part of a legendary trio of Klingon Dahar Masters. See, Kang, Kor.

Kor:

From Star Trek. Venerated Klingon Warrior and Dahar Master who was often a foil for James T. Kirk. A drunkard and long in the tooth with his best days behind him, Kor sacrificed himself in glorious battle; a decoy action, allowing others to escape certain death. Part of a heroic trio of Klingon Dahar Masters. See, Kang, Koloth.

Lacks, Henrietta:

Henrietta Lacks (August 1, 1920 – October 4, 1951), an American cervical cancer patient diagnosed in 1951, whose cells were taken and cultured without her knowledge or consent. These became the first immortal cell line, known to medical researchers as the "HeLa" cell line and were later used to research many subsequent medical breakthroughs, including Jonas Salk's Polio Vaccine in 1954. Controversy continues to mar her legacy, given that her family were never compensated for the benefits to medical science conferred by the HeLa cell line. Being that Lacks was Black, it has been claimed that her race was a factor in the descision to take cells from her without her knowledge, however it has been argued that such was common practise amongst medical practitioners at that time and claims of racism may never be fully substantiated. The HeLa cells continue to be used today in cancer research.

Law of Attraction, The:

From popular culture, the notion that to think a thing is to invite or manifest that thing into your life. Often accompanied by convenient post hoc rationalisations of unrelated phenomena to support the Law of Attraction as divine will; magical thinking. See, Narcissism

Lost Generation, The:

The generation that came of age during World War I, particularly a group of American expatriate writers and artists living in Paris during the 1920s. Characterised by a disorientated, directionless existence in the wake of The Great War, which had shattered the Western cultural landscape as profoundly as it had done its sociopolitical fabric. Meditations on decadence, and the death of The American Dream were prominent themes throughout their work. The birth of postmodernism, and more to the point, deconstructionism, cooincided with the Literary output of these authors. Alternatively, in Great Britain the term "Lost Generation" refers to those who died in The Great War, particularly those of the upper classes who, as officers, tended to experience casualty rates far higher than their working class enlisted men; in turn believed to have robbed Britain of a high IQ population and thus a future elite.

Lymph Node:

Small structure along the vessels of the lymphatic system that filter bacteria and foreign particles from lymph fluid. During infection, lymph nodes may become swollen with activated lymphocytes. Such inflammation is a sign of metastasis in cancer.

Macrosystem:

One of the five environmental subsystems from mecosystem theory. Comprised of one’s cultural heritage, customs, beliefs, and government.

Magical Thinking:

From anthropology, used to describe the causal relationships between actions and events as percieved by human beings, specifically the idea that events and happenings can be directly influenced by thought and habit: "If I put my right shoe on first, then I'll have a good day." See, Law of Attraction, The.

Maguffin:

From Film Theory, the mystery item that, sought by completeing parties or factions, drives the plot of a genre film; often unrevealed, i.e. The Arc of the Covenant, The One Ring, The Briefcase, The Sankara Stone.

Makework:

Work, usually of little importance, created to keep a person from being unemployed. See, HR.

Managerial liberalism:

A philosophy of government that argues for the reframing of politicians into results-driven CEOs; treating the nation state as an macro-simulacrum of the corporation. Managerial liberals market a technocratic procedural democracy, wherein the citizens' sole influence in the governmental process lies in voting for representatives.

Marginalia:

Notes, scribbles, doodles, or illuminations in the margins of a book, sometimes containing criticisms or related ideas; thought detritus.

Matrix, The:

1999 cyberpunk film by The Wachowskis. Considered a seminal cinematic moment for Generation X and often referenced in pop-culture. Alternatively the milieu of language, semiotics and cultural understanding that undergirds the social ecosystem; the prevailing dogma of the tribe. See, Gestalt.

Mecosystem:

A theory proposed by Urie Bronfenbrenner in the 1970s which argues five environmental subsystems that provide the medium for the social development of a human being.

Meme Warfare:

A semiotic method of sociopolitical satire characterised by the use of iconic visual media recontexualised for political statements, often for comedic effect. Typically summarises or lampoons an ideological talking-point through the use of exposing hypocrisies and stereotyping. Rooted in the earliest days of Internet Culture (roughly the mid- 1990s), meme warfare was considered underground until it contributed to the interstellar defeat of Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. Now considered hate speech by the Dinosaur Media. See, Culture Wars.

Mesosystem:

One of the five environmental subsystems from mecosystem theory. Comprised of the interaction between any two microsystems and directly affecting the development of children.

Metaphysics:

From Philosophy, lit. "after the natural," the study of the fundamental nature of reality, including that between mind and matter.

Metastases:

A secondary cancerous growth formed by transmission of cancerous cells from a primary growth located elsewhere in the body, usually by way of blood vessels or lymphatics.

Microsystem:

One of the five environmental subsystems from mecosystem theory. Comprised of the immediate environment; family, school, social environment and peer relations.

Millennials:

See, Generation Y.

Millenial Speak:

From colloquialism, insertion of casual speech patterns or slang associated with current-day pop culture (especially that of Millennials) into genre media regardless of its justification within the diegesis of the narrative. Meant to make an iconic property "edgy" and "relevant." Examples include, "dude," "like," "bruh," and "do you even [blank], bro?" See, Cultural Vandalism and NuTrek.

Mind-Pathogen:

Concept or ideal that proliferates through the intellectual landscape of a population and often elevated to a virtue by the dominant social consensus. Alternatively, "mind-virus."

Minority Report:

A committee report written by two or more committee members to officially state their position on an issue when those members are in the minority (opposed) on that issue. Alternatively, any report breaking down the hiring or employment figures of a company by demographic, particularly illustrating the diversity hiring outcomes of that company; how HR cheats its hiring figures. see, Equity Derivative.

Mise-en-scène:

The design aspect of a film or theatre production, including lighting, set design, wardrobe, camera placement and direction. The "visual theme" of a work, involved in verisimilitude.

Moirai:

Greek. Of the “three fates,” personifications of one’s own fate.

Monomyth:

From literary theory, a term borrowed by Joseph Campbell from James Joyce's Finnegan's Wake, illustrating universality of narrative motifs across human mythologies. Described in Cambell's 1949 book The Hero with a Thousand Faces, the monomyth (Alternatively, "The Hero's Journey") describes seventeen stages of character development wherein a reluctant protagonist is called to adventure and guided, often by a supernatural mentor, through peril and temptation; growing through crisis into a master of both the internal world imposed by his own inner demons and the external diegetic world of the narrative. Brought to the brink of death, thus achieving a greater understanding, the hero completes the conditions of the quest, returning home fundamentally changed from the experience. Attempts to develop an alternative to the monomyth (i.e. Woke Hollywood) have yet to produce box-office returns. Feminist critics expand on the monomyth, arguing a complementary, internally-focused feminine mythological paradigm in parallel to the masculine externally-focused paradigm proposed by Campbell; its heroines awakening–sexually or spiritually, in lieu of resolving an imposed external conflict. Critics of the Feminist critics argue they seem to forget the universality of the monomyth; examples such as, Ellen Ripley (masculine paradigm), Will Schofield (feminine paradigm, subverting the war-film genre) support the human condition as in part transcendant of biological determinism. Critics of the critics of the Feminist critics argue the monomyth is an artifact of Western capitalism anyway (despite being applicable to a diverse range of myth from the Ramayana to the Mayan Popol Vuh) and should be deconstructed. Critics of the critics of the critics of the Feminist critics have yet to age into literary criticism.

Mono no aware:

From Japanese, lit. "The pathos of things," an awareness of impermanence or transience coupled with a gentle sadness of the inevitability of their passing.

Moral Panic:

Conflation of a social problem with a cultural trend misunderstood by the mainstream and fueled by mass media; often to assuage self-interested parents of their guilt at relying on media to raise their children. Notable examples include, the Satanic-Panic and Violence in Video Games moral panics of the 1970s through 1990s. Often attributed to fundamentalist Christian groups, but not limited to the political right-wing, as the post-2016 election tech censorship of independent media and fake news have been positioned as moral issues by a mainstream left-wing orthodoxy.

Moral Philosophy:

From Philosophy, the branch of ethics involving formulating, defending, and advocating concepts of right and wrong conduct. Three further branches are recognised:

1. Meta-ethics, wherein truth values of moral propositions are evaluated.
2. Normative ethics, involving the practical means of determining a moral course of action.
3. Applied ethics, what individuals are obligated to do in a situation or domain of action.

Moral Relativism:

From Philosophy, the notion that ethical standards, morality, and positions of right and wrong are culturally based and therefore subject to individual preference. Conveniently abandoned by its staunchest ahderents when the morality of visiting moral privations on them is argued as justifiable.

Motif:

A recurrent thematic element in an artistic or other literary work.

M.R.I.:

Any of various medical scanning methods used to image the body in cross-sections by way of magnets. Radio waves and computer interpolation.

Munchausen Syndrome:

A psychological disorder wherein an individual falsifies a medical disorder, disease or trauma in order to create a situation that appears to warrant medical attention or social reassurance. Can be used as justification for social dispensation, unwarranted social protection and social privilege.

Mutation:

An alteration or change in biochemical compounds or DNA.

Mutational Load:

The degree of mutations present in an organism. See, Mutation.

Mutually Assured Destruction:

A Cold War era military and diplomatic doctrine wherein a release of nuclear weapons by either the United States of America or the U.S.S.R., would guarantee the complete annihiliation of both the attacker and defender, resulting in nuclear holocaust. Also called "nuclear deterrance." Based in Rational Choice Theory and its formulation, "methodological individualism" which assumes aggregate social behaviour can be predicted from the extrapolation of the behaviour of individual actors:"REST IN PEACE. THE MISTAKE SHALL NOT BE REPEATED," – Anonymous, Inscription on the cenotaph at Hiroshima, Japan.

Mystery Box:

A form of Storytelling popularised by American Director J.J. Abrams illustrated in his 2007 TED Talk. “What I love about this box,” Abrams says, “is I find myself drawn to infinite possibility, that sense of potential. And I realize that mystery is a catalyst for imagination.” Characterised by a web of obverlapping Matryoshka doll reveals and twists meant to uncover more mysteries. Modern audiences expect stories to be innately resolvable, but often the most "life affirming" stories aren't. Critics argue mystery box setups are teased to repeatedly "hook" the audience with cheap plot-driven tension at the expense of character development, rendering a narrative arc that–even if resolved–feels hollow. Woke Hollywood employs Mystery Box Storytelling to deconstruct or subvert Western Canon, specifically the monomyth itself. Relying on the plot-driven nature of the Mystery Box to deconstruct classic Jungian archetypes, subverting their monomythic functions. Instead of Character-Driven stories that see a character through a journey of meaning, characters become pawns of the plot. See, Macguffin.

N₂

Refers to the number and location of lymph nodes that contain cancer. The higher the number, the more lymph nodes have been invaded by cancer.

Naproxen:

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, C₁₄H₁₄O₃, used to treat fever and pain. Alternatively "Naprosyn."

Narcissism:

From Psychology, the pursuit of gratification from egoistic veneration of one’s idealised self-image.

Narcissistic Protocol:

A social ecosystem theorised to exist as result of social media and globalisation wherein social status is projected by way of curated means. Measured in "likes" and/or "follows." Often by presenting a certain physical appearance, career success, financial status and even virtue signaling. Often used in hiring decisions, in lieu of educational or technical merit, wherein marketing agencies use social media presence to judge the hireability of a candidate.

Narcissistic Reframing:

From Psychology, the reframing of a dysfunctional or abusive behaviour directly in opposition to a rational request to change the behaviour; Person A: "Would you mind helping with the dishes after I cook dinner once in awhile?" Person B: "I would but this is just how I decompress after work and by the time I feel relaxed, it's already time for me to go to bed! I don't see how there's time!"

Narcissistic Supply:

In psychoanalytic theory, the excessive need by narcissists for attention–specifically admiration or validation–from codependents. See, Narcissism.

Nebuliser:

Any electrically power dispenser that converts concentrated liquid into mist.

Neoplasm:

An abnormal growth of tissue in animals or plants, distinct from the tissue in which it forms. A tumour. See, Cancer.

Neuropathy:

An abnormality of the nervous system due to disease, medication or trauma.

Neutropenia:

An abnormally low neutrophil count in the blood, caused by disease or medication. See, Chemotherapy.

Neutrophil:

An abundant granular white blood cell that targets foreign bodies and/or microorganisms.

New Age:

Alternative lifestyle from the 1980s that enabled ageing Baby Boomers to hawk their Hippie roots as a market trend. Incorporating occult, Native American or Asian traditions that have been around for centuries such as, Reiki, Meditation and Tarot in a self-deprecating attempt to feel cultured; often observed espousing spiritual belief systems that eschew materialism from their million-dollar homes in the American Desert Southwest. See, Granola.

New Soviet Man, The:

A utopian archetype for the human being said to be dawning amongst all citizens of the U.S.S.R., regardless of the cultural, ethnic and linguistic diversity of that society. As described by Nikita Khrushchev, to spell out the "moral code of the builder of communism," educated, industrious, collectivistic, patriotic, and unfailingly loyal to the party; the soviet Übermensch. See, Ideological Purity.

Nihilism:

From Philosophy, the argument that objective meaning is an illusion and that values and even existence itself is meaningless. May take epistemological, ontological and metaphysical stances arguing that knowledge is not possible.

NIMBY:

"Not in my back yard!" a characterisation describing the collective opposition of residents, often of white middle-class neighbourhoods, towards specific building projects deemed undesireable. Often leads to PIBBY ("place in blacks' back yard,") or even BANANA "Build absolutely nothing anywhere near anyone."

No Man's Land:

Zone of conflict that existed between occupied trenches along the Western Front in Europe during World War I, primarily in France. Characterised by snipers, pillboxes, miles of barbed wire, a muddy morass of corpses and bomb craters in which nothing could be expected to live. Alternatively, Andrea Dworkin. See, Great War, The.

NuTrek:

A portmanteau of "NuMetal" and "Star Trek." A pejorative term meant to describe the Star Trek properties created under the Bad Robot License. Characterised by sexed-up soap opera, 21^st century millennial speak hipster dialogue, superficial action, current day political messaging, use of iconic characters, props or concepts for cheap nostalgia and lens flares. See, Bad Robot and Cultural Vandalism

Occam's Razor:

From Philosophy, a principle in problem-solving: "Entities should not be multiplied by necessity." (1) Determine how many assumptions are needed for an explanation to be correct, (2) Any extra assumptions demand supporting evidence, (3) Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. Inaccurately simplified to the aphorism: "The simplest explanation is often the best."

Oncologist:

A doctor who specialises in “Oncology,” the branch of medicine that deal with tumours; their development, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Ontological:

From Philosophy, of or relating to the nature of being, or the existence of the divine.

Ouruboros:

From semiotics, an ancient symbol for the cyclic nature of life; from death to renewal. Depicted as a serpent or dagon eating its own tail.

Othering:

The perception of something or someone as intrinsically alien.

Panopticon:

An institutional building, such as a prison, or system of control devised by 18^th century English Philosopher and social theorist Jeremy Bentham. The design of the "Panopticon" would allow all prisoners to be observed by a single guard, while disallowing the prisoners to know for certain if and when they are being watched. Thus, the inmates are compelled to self-regulate their behaviour. The concept has been extended to contemporary surveillance methods and social or cultural modality. See, Ideological Purity and Woke Culture.

Paradigm:

From Philosophy, a theoretical framework within which theories and laws are formulated and tested. A clear or typical example or archetype.

Participation Trophy:

Medal or Ribbon awarded for showing up to an activity, regardless of whether or not that individual contributed. Arising from the empirically unsupported notion that enhanced childhood self-esteem produces well-adjusted adults. Replaces the development of sportsmanship in children with entitlement. Later in life, when the gradiose trophied meets reality, manifests as the idealisation of politicans hawking socialist policies (who conspicuously don't hand out participation trophies at their rallies). See, Millennials.

Participation Trophy Wife:

A middling to average woman who, despite contributing nothing to the marriage, believes she deserves to have a husband who appeases her every demand. Related to a sense of entitlement and celebration of medocrity in popular culture, normalised particularly through Reality Television programming such as Real Housewives. See, Californication and Sandbergian Ideal, The.

Perestroika:

Lit. "Restructuring." A reformation movement within the Communist party of the U.S.S.R. during the 1980s, commonly associated with Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev's Glasnost policy. Seen as the predecessor for the Colour Revolution of 1989 which lead to the dissolution of the U.S.S.R., and by extension the model of Colour Revolution seen subsequently around the world in such places as Ukraine (2004), Republic of Macedonia (2016) and Chile (2019). See, Glasnost.

PET Scan:

“Positron Emission Tomography,” scan used to image the body for the presence of disease. Utilising a dye containing radioactive tracers, certain organs of the body absorb the dye when ingested. The dye will collect in areas of the body with higher chemical activity pursuant to certain diseases, such as cancer. Areas of disease show up as bright spots on the scan.

Planet Small:

A state of mediocrity. Fair to middling. No great shakes. Looserville.

Poe's Law:

Internet adage concerning online debates, stating that in the absence of a blatant display of intent, it is impossible to distinguish extremism from satire of extremism.

Politics:

Dervied from "poly" lit. "many," and "tics" meaning any of a set of involuntary, repetitive, nonsensical movements or sounds produced by brain-damage or cognitive degeneration.

Portland:

The largest and most populous city in the U.S. State of Oregon, founded in 1845, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers. A Hippie stomping ground in the 1960s, Portland's reputation as a "Progressive City" is well established. The 1990s saw a burgeoning Tech industry arise in the city, with the establishment of Intel which brough 10 billion in revenue to the area in 1995. Nike, Adidas, Columbia Sportswear and Dr. Martens all have global headquarters in Portland, making the city an unlikely convergence between Progressivism and Corporatism. An influx of Tech money and California Refugees has lead to skyrocketing costs of living, and over-development. Once considered the "Hipster's Florida," where Millennials in Tech would congregate in semi-retirement, the city is now considered little more than a place where dreams go to die in $150 sustainable denim. Known for rain, "urban camping," cognitive dissonance and excessive pretense regarding social issues. Also known as "Stumptown" and "the City of Roses." See, Californication.

Postmodernism:

A broad interdisciplinary movement arising in the mid-to-late 20^th century developed in the arts, architecture, criticism, then during the early 21^st century in marketing and consumer advertising. A departure from modernism, marked by deconstructionism and the application of critical theory across all disciplines, questioning or "unpacking" the assumptions of Western philosophy in the modern period (the 17^th through early- 20^th centuries) particularly the theory of objectivity. Postmodernism argues that no objective truths, or boundaries, exist. See, Critical Theory, Frankfurt School, The.

Post Hoc:

Lit. "After the fact," in the form of an arguement in which one event is asserted to be causal.

Post Hoc Ergo Propter Hoc:

Informal logical fallacy that "Since instance Y followed instance X, instance Y must have been caused by instance X." A questionable causal assertion arising solely from a chain of incidence. Also argued, erroneously, as correlation does not imply causation.

Precariat:

A portmanteau of "precarious" and "proletariat," describing a social class formed by people experiencing economic unpredictability or security. Unlike Karl Marx's "proletariat" class of workers, who lacked ownership over their means of production, the Precariat class must involve themselves in "unremunerated activities that are essential if they are to retain access to jobs and to decent earnings" such as, internships and the gig economy. Seen as arising form neoliberal economic policies and the Tech industry.

Progressive Apartheid:

Neologism referring to the state of de-facto racial apartheid existing in left-leaning, or liberal progressive industries or institutions. An effect of the death of meritocracy, wherein skill and talent is less valued than cultural fit. Exemplified by creative agencies which engage in gatekeeping through equitism.

Prostatectomy:

The surgical removal of all or part of the Prostate Gland in Men. Can cause complete loss of male sexual function.

Psychological Claustrophobia:

Temporary condition experienced by introverts–those with long neural pathways or higher resource expenditure in processing external stimuli–involving feeling a repressed desire for everyone blowing up your phone to die in fire all peopled out. See, Spoon Theory.

Psychogeography:

From the Situationist International, The exploration of urban environments through artistic disciplines, particularily literature or cinema, in a way that emphasies dérive "drifting" as an act of insurgency against middle-class urban values. Idealises the exploration or "exhausting" a location by walking, uncovering the psychology of a city through direct expsore to its strata– architecture, neighbourhoods and oral history. Celebrates the flâneur, the romantic wanderer with no other purpose but to roam and through experiencing the urban landscape, uncover the hidden truths of modernity.

Psychosomatic:

Describes a disorder having physical symptoms but often stemming from a mental or emotional cause; the "mind, body relationship."

PSYOPs:

"Psychological Operations," meant to convey curated information and indicators to mass audiences thereby influencing emotions and objective reasoning; by extension, instutions or consumer behaviour. Also known as "Marketing."

Quisling:

From World War II, a term originating in Norway for a traitor who serves as a tool of the enemy occupying his or her country. A collaborator. Named after Norwegian Vidkun Quisling, an army officer who founded Norway's fascist party and in 1939, urged Adolf Hitler to occupy Norway. Quisling later served as the de-facto figurehead of the Norwegian government as established by German Occupying forces.

r/Selection:

"Spray and pray" sexual reproductive strategy adapted to abundant resources. Employed by organisms whose unstable ecology warrants a higher rate of reproduction and therefore demands a short gestational period, such as ecologies with high populations of predatory species, or other selection pressures that keep infant mortality rates high. Tend to produce larger numbers of offspring where greater numbers ensure genetic survival. Offspring tend to develop secondary sexual characteristics at an earlier age. Tends to exhibit short-term pair bonding amongst parents, less complex social-structures and lower IQs. For example, Rabbits. See, K/Selection and Hypergamous Selection.

Radiation:

"Ionizing Radiation," High-energy radiation associated with subatomic particles and producing ionization in substances through which it passes.

Radiation Therapy:

The Deliberate exposure of tissues of the body to ionizing radiation to treat disease, especially cancer.

Reality Television:

Genre of television entertainment dating back to An American Family (1971-1973), but often considered to have started with MTV's The Real World (1991). The "reality" in the genre considered a misnomer, these shows have been criticised for deceptively passing off scripted TV as documentary, selling an unrealistic or antisocial ideal as desirable and glamourising vulgarity. Examples: Keeping Up with the Kardashians, Real Housewives. See, Californication.

Re-boot:

The "re-invention" or "re-making" of an iconic media property, such as a Hollywood film, for the exploitation of nostalgia. Characterised by schlock, current-day political messaging, or attempts to deconstruct the genre. Often seen as evidence of creative bankruptcy and studio market-cluelessness. See, Bad Robot, Deconstructionism and NuTrek.

Recurrence:

The instance of a cancer returning after initial treatment has ended. Depending on the cancer type and staging, each cancer diagnosis carries a recurrence risk. Recurrences tend to diminish five years after initial treatment, at which time the patient inters a state of permanent survivorship. See, Survivorship.

Reductio Ad Absurdum:

From Philosophy, a disproof of a proposition by demonstrating that it leads to absurd or untenable conclusions: "You mean to tell me that Emperor Palpatine survived, plummeting three quarters of a mile into a reactor shaft of the second Death Star, which in turn detonates around his exploding body, only to emerge thirty years later with a hand injury? Reductio ad absurdum."

Relevance Farming:

The cultivation of subjective relevance as social currency (and by extenstion, profit), usually but not exclusively on social media. Often plays on the emotional content of current day politics, exploiting moral panic in an attempt to appear wise or aware. Increasingly used as a barometer to judge the value of works of art, advertising, or media in lieu of technical merit: See, Virtue Signalling, Woke Culture.

Remission:

Cancer remission refers to the absence of active disease for a period of at least 1 month. This does not mean the cancer has been cured, or even that there are no signs of cancer detected. Remission falls into two categories; "Complete Remission," wherein the disease is undetectable by physical exams or through radiological tests such as CT scans or PET scans or MRIs. Also referred to as "NED"– "No Evidence of disease." The second type of remission is, "Partial Remission," referring to cancer that is still detectable but has decreased in size, a "controlled" tumour or "stable disease." A subtype of "Partial Remission," is referred to as "partial response," wherein a cancer tumour has decreased in size by 30% and the reduction lasts for at least 1 month. Remission does not mean that cancer is cured. See, Survivorship.

Renton, Mark:

The principle point of view character from the seminal 1993 novel Trainspotting and later played by Ewan MacGregor in the 1996 film of the same name. The affable, intelligent and perceptive Edinburgh heroin addict whose blistering inner dialogues wore the hallmark of Generation X cynicism.

Saftey-ise:

The attempt to elevate the primacy of subjecitve experience–particularly the emotions or sense of identity, to something that should be secured, often through policy.

Sandbergian Ideal, the:

Lifestyle marketed to Millennials, particularly but not exclusively to Millennial women, which extolls the virtues of careerism and materialism over parenthood and the nuclear family. Generally understood as "having it all." Criticised by many men as "Alpha fucks, Beta bucks," sexual selection strategy wherein women spend their peak fertility and sexual allure (ages 18-24) steeped in careerism and hedonistic sex with the "bad boys," later settling down in their late thirties (often after their sexual allure has waned and their personal baggage has increased) with the responsible but sexually less exciting men they spurned in their twenties. These men become a de facto "clean up crew," paying off the woman's debts and raising her illegitimate kids. Further seen as dehumanising, reducing human relationships to a tick box on a long list of material or status accomplishments. Attributed to Facebook CEO Cheryl Sandberg's remarks in her book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead: "When looking for a life partner, my advice to women is date all of them: the bad boys, the cool boys, the commitment-phobic boys, the crazy boys. But do not marry them. The things that make the bad boys sexy do not make them good husbands (continued)." See, Hypergamous selection, Alpha Male, Beta Male.

Sans Racines:

"Without people." Lacking a tribe; an exile. Alternatively, a "knight-errant," "ronin," or "mercenary."

Satanic-Panic, The:

The first mass-media moral panic, ocuring throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with the gaze of social concern turned on pop culture. Spearheaded by fundamentalist Christian groups positioning themselves as moral inquisitors rooting out references to Satanism, witchcraft, suicide, pornography and murder in popular entertainment. Specifically, within genres of pop music such as Heavy Metal and the tabletop roleplaying game Dungeons & Dragons. See, moral panic, Virtue Signalling.

Saudade:

A nostalgic longing for something (someone) that is absent in the face of a world that has moved on; a melancholic "missingness."

Schlemiel:

From Yiddish, a fool, moron, dope. See, Schmuck.

Schmuck:

From Yiddish, a sucker, dolt, idiot. See, schlemiel.

Security Industrial Complex:

Neologism from "military industrial complex," describing the post-9/11 security state that exists throughout both public and private institutions. An industry driven by politicians and the lobbyists that enrich them, based on the notion that we are everywhere under threat. Alternatively, that which arrests human progress: "In the security age, everyone is considered a terrorist until proven otherwise!"

Semiotics:

A branch of pathology concerned with the significance of all symptoms in the human body, whether healthy or diseased. Alternatively, the theoretical study of signs and symbols, especially as elements of language or other systems of communication, and comprising semantics, syntactics, and pragmatics.

Sensucht:

A simple longing in one's life; a feeling of unease at the prospect that something may be missing coupled with a yearning for the ideal; a sense that the alternative life one could be leading exists and can be realised. Tends to lead to obsession.

Serotonin:

5-hydroxytryptamine, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being and happiness. Modulates cognition, reward, learning and various physiological function, such as vomiting. The precursor to Dopamine release in the brain.

Serotonin Technician:

Neologism refering to marketing professionals or content creators skilled in the manipulation of Serotonin in Human body to produce desired consumer behaviours. Often utilise curated authenticity via social media to exploit feelings of envy or disatisfaction in comsumers, who then engage in "retail therapy" through consumption and passively advertise products through #hashtags.

Sigma Personality (Sigma Male):

From Pop-Psychology, personality type characterised as the introverted Alpha male. Sigmas tend to be very high IQ and socially competent "loners" unconcerned with fitting into group consensus. Their inner sensitivity shown only to their lovers or other intimates, they are often misunderstood as being aloof and cynical. Entrepreneurial and self-sufficient, they derive strength from their "black sheep" status. See, Alpha male and Beta male.

Silent Generation, The:

Demographic cohort born between 1928 and 1945. Old enough to have experienced The economic hardship of The Great Depression and the visceral horrors of World War II, many of them lost their fathers and older brothers during the conflict, saw the rise and fall of National Socialism in Germany, the apocalyptic horror of the Atomic Bomb and the early days of The Cold War all through children's eyes. Theirs was the generation who contributed to the birth of both the Baby Boomers and later Generation X, Silents were marked by a quiet and diligent conformity to the values of wealth creation and the preservation of Western institutions, becoming the generation against which the Baby Boomers would rebel, creating the much lauded (usually by Baby Boomers themselves) countercultural movements of the 1960s.

Silicon Valley Exceptionalism:

The idea that tech companies are the only ones who can solve societal problems. Tend to apply their sweeping solutions to problems already tackled and solved hundreds of years earlier by Milton and John Stuart Mill.

Simulacrum:

An image or representation. That which is formed in the likeness of any other object.

Simulation:

An imitation of the operation of a process or system; that approximates its operation over time.

Sine Qua Non:

From Latin, lit. "Without which there [is] nothing." An essential element or condition.

Sneaky Fucker Strategy:

From zoology, A low-cost alternative mating strategy observed in aquatic species such as Minckley's cichlid, wherein Beta males of the species, mimicking females through colouring or behaviour, slip past Alpha males engaged in courtship or dominance displays and beat the alpha males to mating opportunities. Theorised to exist in human social groups in the form of ideological or consumer behaviours. See, Virtue Signalling.

Social Concern Dieting:

Any variety of trendy alternative diet, motivated by well-intentioned activism, that becomes impractical in the face of reality:

"So I switched to almond milk because I really don't want to support GMO foods or factory farming."

"Dude! Do you, like, not know that Almond Milk is a direct threat to sustainable bee populations in California? Don't even get me started on the King Salmon facing drought due to commercial almond farming! You should totally do oat-milk, bro!"

"Goddammit! It's like the only ethical food choice you can make is to starve to death!"

See, Millennials and Veganism.

Social Construct:

An object or form that arises from social interaction such as, the value of a currency as backed by the price of its supporting commodity (gold or silver). Alternatively, a rhetorical device used (often by blue haired, porcine undergraduates) to deny empirically supported facts: "Physics is a social construct of Western capitalism meant as apologia for the rape of the nature world by colonialism! We must incorporate other forms of awareness into our pedagogical practise!" See, Critical Theory and Intersectionality.

Social Democracy:

A form of government, exemplified in Scandinavia, idealised by non-Scandinavians as a miracle of central planned economies and social justice within a liberal democratic framework. In reality, involving oil-backed, highly de-regulated capitalism to fund a large welfare state for a small population; often mistaken for Socialism by American college students. Not to be confused with Democratic Socialism.

Socialism:

"The goal of socialism is communism." Vladimir Ilyich lenin, Russian Communist party Leader, 1924.

Social Media:

Online media that employs horizontal integration through peer-to-peer engagement to produce and direct content. Ostensibly voluntary, although participation in Social Media is becoming increasingly mandatory; user content, especially of a private or a political nature, "likes" and "follows" rapidly growing in relevance to commercial decision makers (i.e. hiring managers and consumers). Argued to be causal to narcississtic protocol wherein atomised consumers compete for social status or social relevance: "My curated mediocre life is more worthy of envy than your curated mediocre life!" Alternatively, a data goldmine for both corporations and government intelligence agencies. See, Serotonin, Serotonin Technician.

Social Justice Warrior:

Also referred to as “SJWs,” Social Justice Warriors are individuals characterised by an apparent fervid adherence to intersectional critical theory and authoritarian collectivist world-views. Utilising radical “direct action” to institute radical or idealised social behaviours, often against the objections of moderates. Criticised for throwing their weight behind trendy social causes in a vain attempt at virtue signalling. It has been argued their social concerns are motivated by unresolved personal trauma. Often lampooned as faddish, undesirable and mentally unstable, with vibrant hair colours, and unconventional styles of dress and presentation similar to aposematism (warning colouration) amongst venomous animal species. See, Critical Theory, Munchausen Syndrome, Grievance Industry and Millennials.

Solipsism:

The theory that only the self can be known and verified. See, narcissism.

Soy Wars:

Internet pejorative credited to Comic Book Aritst Ethan Van Sciver's summary of Star Wars under the purview of Disney and Kathleen Kennedy. Particularly the Star Wars Sequel Trilogy (Episodes VII, VIII, and IX). Seen by fans as an attempt to re-boot the Star Wars entertainment franchise with a phoney Social Justice Warrior agenda; particularly Kennedy's hypocritical hiring decisions and portrayal of characters of colour within the diegesis of the narrative (For example, the characterisation of Finn, portrayed by actor John Boyega, as a bumbling fool/janitor racist black stereotype). Soy, in internet culture, is associated with emasculation and hipster woke culture. See, Cultural Vandalism, and Fandom Menace, the.

Spoon Theory:

Internet metaphor and neologism, used by members of the disability community and those experiencing chronic illness (called "spoonies") to describe the reduced amount of mental and physical energy available for daily living. In this analogy, spoons act as stand-ins for a unit of energy; each task requiring a given number of spoons, which can only be replenished through rest. Running out of spoons forces a rest that cannot be negotiated. Due to the nature of chronic illness, which may disrupt sleep patterns, the starting amount of spoons may differ from day-to-day, limiting the tasks one can take on and confusing those around them with an inconsistent degree of energy or enthusiasm from the sufferer. Attributed to Christine Miserandino in her 2003 essay "The Spoon Theory," in which she describes the experience of having Lupus.

Staging:

The process of assessing the development of a disease, such as cancer.

Stasi Culture:

The "see something? Say something" culture of citizen informers. Often arising out of a collective trauma such as 9/11 or COVID-19, which elevates informing on citizens to a virtue. From the East-German Stasi, or The Ministry for State Security, who used blackmail, imprisonment, intimidation and public shaming to deligitimise critics of the German Communist Party. See, cancel-sulture, Saftey-ise.

Stroke:

From Psychology, a recognition currency, a stroke is given when one person recognises another verbally or nonverbally.

Sturgeon's Law:

Adage summarised as "ninety percent of everything is crap," an argument he made to defend Science Fiction–the critically derided genre in which he wrote–by comparing it to the output of any other industry, which relied on producing mediocre product to keep the overwhelming masses employed.

Superego:

From Psychology, the part of the mind that acts as a self-critical conscience formed through an internalisation of moral standards of one’s parents and culture, and that restrains the ego.

Superorganism:

The social organism; a colony of individuals who, through division of labour, effective communication and self-organisation form a community that functions as if it were an organism. Loosely, the nation and its cultural and institutional framework.

Survivorship:

Survivorship is the period that begins at the end of initial cancer treatment and extends through the months after–up to five years after, involving recovering and monitoring for signs of recurrence. Permanent survivorship is the period beyond five years without recurrence.

Swab:

Archaic nautical pejorative, used to admonish the crewman of a naval vessel who would swab the decks of a seagoing vessel. A “peon.” Often used by pirates.

Synchronicity:

Coincidence of events that appear meaningfully related but do not seem to be causally connected, taken by Jungian psychoanalytic theory to be evidence of a connection between the mind and material objects.

Technocracy:

From political theory, an ideological system of governance in which the control of industrial resources and the role of decision-makers are managed based on the findings of technologists or engineers. See, Managerial Liberalism.

Telos:

From Philosophy, namely Aristotle's "Teleology," or the study of purposiveness. An ultimate end or purpose; a raison d'etre: "The Telos of Bad Robot is to make a quick buck off of cynical, Gen X nostalgia."

THAC0:

To Hit Armor Class Zero (0), the basis for determining if an attack roll succeeds in AD&D (Advanced Dungeons & Dragons). Calculated by rolling a D20 +/- any bonuses or penalties. See, Dungeons & Dragons.

Theosophy:

Religion established in the United States during the late 19^th century by Russian immigrant Helena Blavatsky. Drawing on elements of Western esotericism considered occult, Buddhism and Hinduism. The fundamentals of the religion hold that there exist an ancient fraternity of spiritual adepts, "The Masters," who have cultivated wisdom and supernatural gifts. The purpose of human life is to seek out these Masters in persuit of spiritual emancipation from the cycle of life and death. Upon death, the human soul is reincarnated according to a karmic process. While Theosophy promotes no ethical code, it does extoll the virtues of universal brotherhood and social improvement. Theosophical ideas would influence a broad range of 20^th century thinkers, from Rudolph Steiner (the godfather of homeopathy) to Maria Montessori. Expressionist painter Wassily Kandinsky would incorporate Theosophical idea about colour into his works, while Piet Mondrian experimented with Theosophical semiotics. Far from its heyday in the 1920s, the Theosophy movement still exists and can be considered the precursor to the New Age movements of the 1970s-1980s. Primarily responsible for bringing Asian religious and spiritual traditions and concepts to Western countries. See, Anthroposophic Medicine.

Tokenism:

Situation wherein the lone ethnic minority in any organisation becomes the sole representative of his/her alleged social group, regardless of the degree of personal association he/she has with said group; which tends to be not at all, as often mainstream success requires the adaptation to professional standard of speech and/or conduct eschewed by minority ethnic groups. Alternatively, casting of ethic minorities in media for roles written to embody the stereotype of that ethic group, especially when that stereotype has no basis in the diegesis of the narrative. Also refered to as "Minority Pokemon." See, equitism.

Transhumanism:

A utopian belief that the human condition can be improved if human beings strive to transcend the physical limitations of the body and mind through technological means.

Trainspotting:

May refer to any of the following: a British hobby involving loitering near railroad tracks, often wearing an Anorak in the rain, observing and logging the numbers on passing rail carriages. The act of spying on nightclub DJs watching for poor transitions between records. Having the ability to draw on a bottomless well of useless information as an attempt to gain relevancy or social status. Heroin use, or "wasting," derived from the "track marks" endemic to the habit. The 1996 film Trainspotting, based on the Irvine Welsh novel of the same name, involving pretty much all of the above. Far superior to Requiem for a Dream (2000).

Triggering:

From Psychology, a sensory or perceptive input that instigates a negative emotional flashback. Has a legitimate basis in behavioural psychology, however often misappropriated by individuals to control the speech or behaviour of others. See, C-PTSD, Narcissism, Emotional Flashback and Social Justice Warriors.

Tumour:

See, Neoplasm.

Übermensch:

The superior human, imbued with great powers.

Umwelt:

From Semiotics, Jakob von Uexküll and Thomas A. Sebeok’s theory of the "biological foundations that lie at the very epicenter of communication and signification in the human [and non-human] animal".

Ungezeifer:

From German, lit. the “verminous outsider,” from Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis. Often mis-translated as “cockroach;” what Gregor Samsa has transformed into by that story’s end. A "scapegoat." An outcast or sacrifice, tied to the ritual exclusion of a member of the tribe, or other human group which, in a state of Darwinian Evolution, was tantamount to death. Associated with the id and the semiotic drives of human beings to conformism as a survival and reproductive strategy.

Upspeak:

Vocal cadence that renders declarative statements indistinguishable from questions. See, Hipster and Millennial.

Veganism:

Well-intentioned lifestyle involving the abstention from animal products in terms of diet, or as byproducts in hygiene and daily living. Modern veganism would be impractical without industry simply out of the massive labour requirements involved in food production. Critics suggest, in the absence of industry, a vegan society needing to produce enough food to sustain 7.7 billion people would (in the absence of animal husbandry) need the bulk of its labour force voluntarily involved in agriculture, or to revive slavery. A Malthusian catastrophe would inevitably disrupt such an ecology, drastically reducing the population. Social hedges could be instituted, a sort of vegan death cult not unlike those from Dystopian fictions such as The Giver, Soylent Green or Logan's Run, but no Low-tech human method would predict a plague or blight disrupting food production. Veganism remains impossible to fully adhere to as pure vegans would have to avoid rubber and steel, excluding them from utilising aeroplanes, trains, buses and bicycles. As such, vegans tend to rely on the ignorance of most, regarding industrial processes, to maintain the moral superiority of their lifestyle.

Verisimilitude:

From film criticism, A combination of framing, sound editing, lighting, continuity, character consistency, plot-structure, dialogue and Mise-en-scène necessary to allow the viewer of a film to suspend disbelief and buy into the reality of a narrative based on their experiences of reality as a frame-of-reference. Having been to a coffee shop allows us to predict what a coffee shop sould look and sound like on film. Breaking Verisimilitude pulls the viewer out of the story.

Vermithrax:

A fire-breathing dragon. The principle antagonist of the 1981 film Dragonslayer

Virtue:

Moral excellence; goodness.

Virtue Signalling:

A form of social signalling meant to demonstrate ideological purity, conformism to a dominant social idea or orthodoxy. Tied to reproductive and survival strategies within human groups as a means of avoiding the gene death of exile. In marketing, virtue signalling is used to build brand affiliation and increase profits by companies who often don't practise the ideological position they espouse. Common in both left-wing and right-wing political messaging in media.

Visceral Peritoneum:

A membrane forming the lining of the abdominal cavity covering most of the intra-abdominal organs.

War of Attrition:

From Military strategy, a campaign of belligerent attempts to win a conflict by wearing down an enemy with consistent attacks causing disruptions of supply chains or loss of materiel at a rate quicker than it can be replaced.

War on Terror:

The United States' policy of arming and aiding "freedom fighters" abroad, often in the interests of toppling a given government, only to go to war against those same freedom fighters when deemed politically expedient. The primary geopolitical conflict that informs Generation Y. Alternatively, futility. See, HyperNormalisation.

Wanderer, The:

Anonymous 10^th century Anglo Saxon epic poem reflecting on the self-imposed exile of a "Huscarl" who is the last survivor of his kingdom. Having buried his king and companions after escaping battle, he laments the collapse of his world while reflecting on the disease of materialism, the virtues of integrity, stewardship, and self-sacrifice.

Watermelon Initiative:

Ostensibly eco-friendly government policy such as, renewable energy, argued to have communist underpinnings; lit. "green on the outside, red on the inside." See, Climate Change.

Weihnachtsfrieden:

From German, "Christmas Truce," wherein from 24-26 December, 1914 Soldiers from opposing sides on the Western Front (French, German and British) during World War I crossed No Man's land to exchange seasons greetings, gifts and handshakes. For two days they played football together, drank, sang carols and learned each other's languages, enlisted men often finding they had more in common with each other despite the daily realities of armed opposition–than they had with their officers and those of the aristocracy on their own side. When hostilities resumed on 27 December, 1914, brutal warfare resumed in some sectors. See, No Man's Land, and World War I.

White Feather Campaign:

Social custom, particularly in Britain and other commonwealth nations during World War I wherein young women, seeing young military age men in civilian dress during the war years, would publicly approach such men and present them with a white feather, traditionally a symbol of cowardice and dereliction of duty. The man's reputation would be destroyed and prospects ruined, unless he demonstrated his responsibility by enlisting for service. Many young men lied about their age or circumstances to qualify for service, hoping to thus avoid public shame and social stigma. Women were, of course, exempt from mandatory military service. World War I killed 11 million men. See, Gene Death and World War I.

Woke Culture:

Phoney awareness. A trend that uses political or social causes to sell products or services by brands that don't practise the "woke" message they preach. See, Social Justice Warrior, Virtue Signalling and Grievance Monger.

Woke Hollywood:

Hypocritical trend in the entertainment industry wherein films and television are produced with social justice or activist messaging, often at the expense of mass audience appeal. Arising from a call to action sounded by journalist Dana Schwartz to re-think Western Canon. Often touted by producers, directors and studio executives who don't practice the messages they peddle, hiring a vanishingly small number of persons of colour or women for high-stakes technical roles, relegating diversity to low-pay and low-prestige positions. For example, Kathleen Kennedy espoused a social justice/diversity adgenda while hiring all white male directors to work on Disney's Star Wars, sidelining a lone black female director to a 2^nd Unit poisition on Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker; also looking the other way while directors Rian Johnson and J.J. Abrams played the trilogy's lone black character as a racist "of course the black guy is a space janitor" stereotype. Alternatively, an attempt to subvert and present a corollary to the monomyth; has yet to become profitable, leading to the adage, "get woke, go broke." See, Cultural Vandalism and Relevance Farming.

Woke Wunderkind:

The artificial elevation of children to the manner of a damagogue, by means of media spotlighting, in an attempt to sway public opinion in favour of an issue. Often exploits the child's mental illness or other unfavourable circuimstance. In some dark corners of the internet, bets are taken on at what post-adolescent age scandals involving the "wunderkind's" exploits will surface, and what drugs will be involved. Examples include, Greta Thunberg and Bana Alabed.

World War I:

Also known as "The war to end all wars" and The Great War, a global war fought between 28 July, 1914 and 11 November, 1918. See, Great War, The and Lost Generation.

World War II:

A global war fought between 1 September, 1939 and 2 September, 1945 considered to be the most destructive war in human history, claiming 24 million military dead, 49 million civilian dead–including 6 million genocided by Adolf Hitler's National Socialist Germany. The United States, Great Britain, and the Soviet Union comprising the Allied powers with Nazi Germany the Empire of Japan and Mussolini's Italy comprising the Axis Powers. The war dragged on for six years, culminating in the use of two atomic bombs by the United States against the Empire of Japan in 1945, ushering in the Nuclear Age. The United States remains the only nation in history to deploy nuclear weapons against another nation, in this case against a civilian population. Some historians have argued World War II was less a global conflict than an ideological civil war between two left-wing political ideologies: Communism, in the form of the U.S.S.R. and National Socialism embodied by Nazi Germany. Allied involvement thus being more significant in the Pacific theatre of war against Japanese Imperial aggression than in the European Theatre, where a rapid Allied advance–lead by the United States–forced the German Reich into a war on two fronts, allowing the U.S.S.R. to conduct an invasion en force of the German heartland. See, G.I. Generation, The.

Year Zero:

From political theory, an idea that all culture and institutions of a society must be "dismantled" in order for a new revolutionary culture to replace it. All history before "year zero" is declared irrelevant. From the Khmer Rouge takeover of Cambodia in 1975. Loosely related to instances in pop music where a band's sound changed, such as the Bee Gees 1977 single "Stayin' Alive."

Zeitgeist:

From Philosophy, German. lit. "the spirit of the times." See, Mesosystem