What is the origin of the term factoid?
The term was coined by American writer Norman Mailer in his 1973 biography of Marilyn Monroe. Mailer described factoids as "facts which have no existence before appearing in a magazine or newspaper", and formed the word by combining the word fact and the ending -oid to mean "similar but not the same".
Did you know that Norman Mailer coined the word factoid?
Example Sentences Learn More About factoid Did you know that Norman Mailer coined the word factoid? We can thank Norman Mailer for factoid: he used the word in his 1973 book Marilyn (about Marilyn Monroe), and he is believed to be the coiner of the word.
What's the difference between a factoid and a humanoid?
Mailer's use of the -oid suffix (which traces back to the ancient Greek word eidos, meaning "appearance" or "form") follows in the pattern of humanoid: just as a humanoid appears to be human but is not, a factoid appears to be factual but is not.
What is another word for factoid as in superstition?
factoid noun Save Word Synonyms & Antonyms of factoid as in superstition Synonyms & Near Synonyms for factoid superstition delusion, error, fallacy, falsehood, falsity, hallucination, illusion, misbelief, misconception, myth, old wives' tale, untruth fiction, pretense (or pretence) distortion, inaccuracy, misapprehension,
Is a factoid True or false?
A factoid is either an invented or assumed statement presented as a fact, or a true but brief or trivial item of news or information.
What is the difference between fact and factoid?
A fact is based on observations that have been verified many times. A factoid is a statement based on an assumption—something that has never been confirmed. Often, these factoids can lead to significant misunderstandings about the universe and how it operates.
Where did the term factoid come from?
Etymology. From fact + -oid (“similar, but not the same”); coined by American writer Norman Mailer in 1973 in Marilyn: A Biography, defined as "facts which have no existence before appearing in a magazine or newspaper, creations which are not so much lies as a product to manipulate emotion in the Silent Majority".
Does factoid mean?
an invented fact believedDefinition of factoid 1 : an invented fact believed to be true because it appears in print. 2 : a briefly stated and usually trivial fact.
What is a synonym for factoid?
misconception, myth, old wives' tale, untruth.
How do you use factoid in a sentence?
But in the meantime, here's an interesting factoid. You'll find that little factoid in zoo placards, books, and wildlife documentaries.
What's a fun fact for the day?
Fun Facts and TriviaIt is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. ... A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.A shrimp's heart is in its head.It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.More items...
Did you know list of facts?
75 Did You Know FactsDid you know it's illegal to feed pigeons on the sidewalks and streets in San Francisco? ... Did you know an astronaut was allergic to the moon? ... Did you know there's a toilet museum? ... Did you know the official bird of Redondo Beach, California, is the Goodyear Blimp?More items...•
Is OID a suffix?
The suffix –oid means “resembling” or “like.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology. The suffix –oid comes from Greek –oeidēs, from eîdos meaning “form.”
What's a fun fact for the day?
Fun Facts and TriviaIt is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. ... A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.A shrimp's heart is in its head.It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.More items...
What could be a fun fact about yourself?
60+ Fun Facts About Yourself That You Can ShareYour high school superlative. ... The most money you've ever won on a scratch-off or lottery ticket.Your favorite food to eat or your favorite comfort food.Your favorite food to make.Your hometown, especially if it's vastly different from your current location.More items...
What is a factoid?
Factoids, wrote Mailer, are "facts which have no existence before appearing in a magazine or newspaper...." . That being said, there appears to be a fairly good chance that Norman Mailer coined the word factoid.
Where does the word "factoid" come from?
Since its appearance in Mailer’s writing, factoid has taken on an additional meaning, “a briefly stated and usually trivial fact.” It hails from a long line of words created through adding the suffix - oid, which comes from the ancient Greek eidos, meaning “appearance” or “form."
How old is the factoid?
Considering that factoid is probably less than 50 years old, it has been remarkably successful in the extent to which it has become part of our language. This may be due to the fact that both senses of the word—the “invented fact” and the “trivial fact”—are useful things to have a word for, and English has no other candidates readily available to describe them (despite the efforts of some, factlet never really caught on as a word for “an unimportant fact”).
When was OID used?
But in addition to creating these scientific terms, - oid has been used, particularly since the mid-twentieth century, to fashion words that are far more informal. It has served as the finishing syllable for schizoid and sleazoid.
Is a factoid the same as a fact?
Are 'Factoids' the Same as 'Facts'? Factoids are invented facts, or facts that are real but trivial. It can be difficult to say with any certainty whether or not a particular author has coined a word, something that does not stop many people from claiming that this, in too many cases to count, is exactly what happened.
What is a factoid?
A factoid is either an invented or assumed statement presented as a fact, or a true but brief or trivial item of news or information. The term was coined in 1973 by American writer Norman Mailer to mean a piece of information that becomes accepted as a fact even though it is not actually true, or an invented fact believed to be true ...
Who coined the term "factoids"?
The term was coined by American writer Norman Mailer in his 1973 biography of Marilyn Monroe. Mailer described factoids as "facts which have no existence before appearing in a magazine or newspaper", and created the word by combining the word fact and the ending -oid to mean "similar but not the same". The Washington Times described Mailer's new ...
Why use factlet instead of factoid?
William Safire in his "On Language" column advocated the use of the word factlet instead of factoid to express a brief interesting fact as well as a "li ttle bit of arcana" but did not explain how adopting this new term would alleviate the ongoing confusion over the existing contradictory common use meanings of factoid.
What TV channel used factoids?
This new sense of a factoid as a trivial but interesting fact was popularized by the CNN Headline News TV channel, which, during the 1980s and 1990s, often included such a fact under the heading "factoid" during newscasts. BBC Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright uses factoids extensively on his show.
What is a factoid?
Factoid is either a false statement presented as a fact, or a true but brief or trivial item of news and information
What does "factoid" mean?
Factoid real meaning an item of unreliable information that is reported and repeated so often that it becomes accepted as fact.
What does "excessive" mean?
The word means an excessive and abundant supply of something. This is used as a noun and as verb. I’ve given examples of both their usage below.
Is it dangerous to believe in factoid information?
To believe in factoid information without any proof, is very dangerous.
