UK-based Collins Dictionary said the term "fake news" has been used an "unprecedented" number of times in 2017 and therefore has become the winner of the "word of the year" nomination.
This year, the phrase has been used 365 percent more frequently than in 2016, the dictionary claimed, reporting on its annual rating of the most used words in the English language.
Other shortlisted terms in 2017 included "insta" (referring to Instagram), "unicorn," "cuffing season," etc.
However, not everyone agreed with Collins' choice. For instance, some Twitter users expressed their dissatisfaction with Collins' nomination.
"Fake News" is a 2 word phrase, I therefore declare that "Fake News" being word of the year is, in fact, the fake-iest news
— ZJ Fox 🦊 (@ZackFoxFilm) 2 ноября 2017 г.
#FakeNews
— Kevin Quinn (@Kevcrq1975) 2 ноября 2017 г.
Collins 'Word' of the year 2017. Alanis Morrisette's song writing hand must be twitching.. pic.twitter.com/pJsTrcTx1a
what idiot made 'fake news' the word of the year and not covfefe
— Mollie Goodfellow (@hansmollman) 2 ноября 2017 г.
🗣CONGRATULATIONS #CNN! You are now listed in the UK’s Collins Dictionary, thanks to POTUS calling you out! 😂🎉 @CNN 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/XdqcwsKgFA
— American Honey 🐝 (@lgmaterna) 2 ноября 2017 г.
How come a dictionary doesn't understand the premise of "word"?
— Sean (@sconnerton84) 2 ноября 2017 г.
Should have released this on April 1st.
— michael hole (@elohleahcim) 2 ноября 2017 г.
According to Collins, "fake news" can be defined as "false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting."
The phrase is often associated with the US leader who has used it many times to criticize media outlets for their allegedly biased reporting.
