Merriam-Webster Declares ‘Gaslighting’ As Word Of The Year 2022. Twitter Gaslights, “Are You Sure?”
The jokes are hilarious but manipulation is real!
Manipulation is a part and parcel of our lives whether we like it or not and one of the most common ways that abusers use manipulation to their benefit is gaslighting. It’s not uncommon for abusers to use gaslighting as a method to control their victim. But what does it mean? Well, gaslighting is a method of abuse where the abuser manipulates the other person in ways that makes them question their reality. It’s form of psychological manipulation which makes the victim wonder if the narrative they’re leading is correct of not. It makes them question their memories and their perception of reality. Gaslighting often leads to low self-esteem and confidence as well as questioning one’s own mental stability which in turn allows an abuser to control the victim.
Recently, the American dictionary Merriam-Webster deemed ‘Gaslighting’ as the word of the year as the search for the word increased on the site by 1740% in 2022 as compared to 2021. In fact, Merriam-Webster has revealed that the word ‘gaslighting’ has been in top 50 words that were frequently looked up on the website in 2022. And Twitter has been buzzing with reaction ever since it happened. While we do empathise with all those who’ve experience gaslighting, it’s honestly starting to seem like Twitter is gaslighting the word itself! Don’t believe us? Well, see for yourself.
The most searched word on the Merriam-Webster online dictionary in 2022 is 'gaslighting': the "psychological manipulation of a person that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts." Well, that's what 'they' want us to think.
— Paul MacKenzie-Cummins (@PaulMacKenzie_C) December 1, 2022
You’re just trying to divert attention away from the REAL issues!
— Blåhaj (@astuffedshark) November 29, 2022
I don't know why you're making such a big deal about this.
— Eric Martin (@soonermatata) November 28, 2022
Gaslight is not the word of the year and never was. You made that up!
— silly little baaboo—Menacestor of Magic (@thotmystic) November 28, 2022
No it isn’t https://t.co/vcop90gzfu pic.twitter.com/bsmtpZgnDf
— Dr. Len Necefer, Ph.D. (@lennecefer) November 29, 2022
https://twitter.com/conway__vinny/status/1597615815578505216?s=20&t=h9_8MwJgqBd1inMk9erFNw
I’ve never heard this word before they definitely just made it up https://t.co/hopthxUuJ7
— steph ✿ Matty Healy is 5’7 (@papersteph) December 1, 2022
Don’t be crazy, no it’s not https://t.co/wAKzcFmVDi
— Joe Otterson (@JoeOtterson) November 29, 2022
This actually was the word of the year last year.
Don't you all remember? https://t.co/gNKwwFirt5— Leigh Giangreco (@LeighGiangreco) November 28, 2022
Gaslighting isn’t real you sound crazy https://t.co/QVnjVq3dKC
— (redacted) (@EarthToMertz) December 1, 2022
you’re making stuff up. why would you even think that. i think you need to take a second and we can talk about this later. you’re acting crazy rn. https://t.co/NJX7PUtkXM
— Certified Munch-strosity 🤤 (@dratbastard) November 30, 2022
Gaslighting is NOT the word of the year. I don't know where you get this stuff, you're so stupid sometimes https://t.co/lOiQa2GGdW
— BeWyrd (@BeWyrd) November 28, 2022
you literally made that word up. you know what? come back next year once you've composed yourself and are ready to talk. https://t.co/HsX508VjCw
— alice (@hcsrih) November 28, 2022
You know Merriam Webster you have been acting REALLY WERID lately and EVERYONE has noticed. https://t.co/6mRuZfhslO
— Ragecuppy (@Ragecuppy) November 29, 2022
Relax, @MerriamWebster, “Word of the Year” is a little dramatic. Is this coming from your friends? https://t.co/vuKOkxVTA6
— Lizzie (@LizzieMahony) November 29, 2022
Also Read: We Can’t Eliminate Violence Against Women Unless We Recognise And Talk About Emotional Abuse
Several social media users also took the opportunity to point out how gaslighting works in order to get the conversation going. On the other hand, some people also highlighted how this word will finally help people understand why abuse victims stay with their abusers while others opened up about experiencing this form of manipulation. Twitter also hailed the American dictionary for making ‘gaslighting’ the word of the year.
Gaslighting has been my #WordOfTheYear for the last 15 years.#pwME #MECFS https://t.co/mnNmvkATQx
— Wading through treacle (@kimisgubbed) November 29, 2022
Two years late, but a worthy entrant. https://t.co/bk31TmGlnT pic.twitter.com/RpBX3Xes1E
— ∴ Nate Jacobson (@afterall_net) November 29, 2022
Having been subjected to so much of this I so relatehttps://t.co/SLM2EtdcSw https://t.co/CPx6rasSQa
— Annemarie Lewis Thomas (@ALThomasMD) November 28, 2022
With 'gaslighting' named the @MerriamWebster #WordOfTheYear, take a moment to learn about the role of gaslighting in domestic violence. Abusive partners may use gaslighting to confuse, isolate and control survivors.
Learn more from @NDVH: https://t.co/yfP2ejpkMJ https://t.co/OuGdGNOCZx
— Durham DA's Office (@durhamncda) November 28, 2022
now everyone click the link and read what it actually means so u can start using it correctly https://t.co/LeP7Dsllmp
— mrs. olivia min (@oliviapendeja) November 29, 2022
Men need to start believing the dangers/horrors women live through on the daily – shit is beyond wild 🙏🏾💚 https://t.co/Lt2z8NdF6q
— Fried Plantain-Shun (@artiphacts_) November 29, 2022
Are we being gaslit? https://t.co/8C78vlPOlv pic.twitter.com/beCdTCbv4A
— Sgi (@sabzsgizo) November 29, 2022
I'm fucking screaming and crying and laughing interally all at once about this, the word of the year, announced on the same day I spoke out about my abusive, gaslighting ex. https://t.co/gS3QADY9xS
— 🦈 Shark 🦈 (@SharkSplatter) November 30, 2022
I bet you narcissists are starting to feel exposed… you're running on fumes. https://t.co/7edSRvFOG1
— 🕷 Spider 4️⃣ Hire 👁 (@SpiderTheRider) November 28, 2022
#Gaslighting is everywhere!
In the last eight decades, gaslighting has moved culturally from being important as a relationship dynamic to something now seen often in our political and social media spaces
#WordOfTheYear #MerriamWebster https://t.co/rfgNSfd4rR— Dr. Robin Stern (@RobinSStern) November 28, 2022
Willing to bet there’s one person who thinks gaslighting has something to do with the high gas prices! https://t.co/RTTmLK4Y7x
— Akshobh Giridharadas (@Akshobh) November 30, 2022
https://twitter.com/AnthonyLeeVoice/status/1597256176118693889?s=20&t=h9_8MwJgqBd1inMk9erFNw
Also Read: What Is Gaslighting, And How To Read The Signs
Well, we’re loving all the “no, it’s not jokes” and how Merriam-Webster has give us a chance to not only joke about gaslighting and make memes but also to talk about this manipulation tactic that is commonly used by abusers. TBH, we’re just hoping this helps raise awareness about gaslighting and helps people recognise the signs.
