Apparent Quote by Erin McKean
“It's difficult to choose a Word of the Year in the year that you're in. It's one of those things that hindsight makes more apparent. It's like looking at pictures from 10 years ago, and you notice the flannel and the ripped jeans. At the time, it didn't look to you like a real fashion trend.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Language Trends Talk, Erin McKean, 2023
Choosing a Word of the Year is hard because current events blur, and only hindsight reveals clear patterns, like noticing past fashion trends after time passes.
In simple terms: Hard to pick a word now; hindsight clarifies trends.
Key Takeaway
Accept uncertainty and revisit choices later.
Themes
language
culture
trend analysis
reflection
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
Type
observational
insightful
When to use this quote
- media analysis
- branding decisions
- personal reflection
- historical comparison
Key Concepts
semantic shift
collective memory
social perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How does hindsight change your view of current events?
- What criteria could improve future word selections?
A Different Perspective
Trends may be misread in the moment, leading to premature conclusions.
