Enshittification: Macquarie's 2024 Word Choice

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Post on Nov 26, 2024

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Enshittification: Macquarie Dictionary's 2024 Word Choice – A Deep Dive

Hey everyone! So, Macquarie Dictionary just dropped their word of the year for 2024, and it's a doozy: "enshittification." I gotta admit, when I first saw it, I was like, "What in the actual heck is that?" It sounds like something my dog would do after a particularly exciting romp in the park. But, turns out, it's way more nuanced than that. And it got me thinking…about the power of language and how words can totally shape our understanding of the world, even if they're, uh, kinda crass.

What Even Is Enshittification?

Let's break it down. According to Macquarie, "enshittification" describes the process of something gradually becoming worse, typically through neglect or deliberate degradation. Think of your favorite local diner slowly going downhill—the food getting worse, the service slower, the place getting grimy. That's enshittification in action. It's a perfect word to capture that slow, creeping decline. It's not just about something becoming bad, it's about the process of becoming bad. Get it? It's the journey, not just the destination.

I had a total enshittification moment myself last year. I was working on a huge project – a website redesign, the whole nine yards. I was so focused on getting it done that I completely skimped on the little things: testing, user experience, even basic grammar checks! The launch was a total disaster. Pages were broken, navigation was clunky, and it looked like a five-year-old designed it. Yep, that was my very own, personal case of enshittification. Lesson learned: Don't rush! Pay attention to the details. It's the little things that matter.

SEO Implications – Because, let's face it, that's important

So, why did Macquarie choose this word? I think, partially, it's because it perfectly encapsulates a lot of what we're feeling in our current climate: political polarization, economic uncertainty, climate change anxieties. All the things that are…well, shitty. But also, this word choice is a masterclass in SEO. Think about it: this unusual word is going to generate a TON of online searches. People are curious! They'll want to know what it means. Macquarie is effectively leveraging the public's interest to boost their own brand awareness, it's pretty smart. They've created a viral moment, pure and simple.

Now, my personal experience might not be exactly like Macquarie's but the lesson learned is the same. This word helps draw attention to a trend; it reflects how we might be feeling about our current society or industry. You see? It’s not just a word; it’s a reflection of culture.

Practical Tips to Avoid Your Own "Enshittification"

Okay, so how do we avoid letting things in our own lives, projects, or businesses go to hell? I'm talking about avoiding the slow decline, the enshittification, if you will.

1. Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular reviews of your projects, your business, your life – whatever it is you're trying to maintain. Don't wait for a major disaster to strike. Check your SEO performance daily, if you can.
2. Seek Feedback: Don't be afraid to ask for honest feedback from others. You can get blinded by your own efforts. A fresh perspective can prevent a slow decline.
3. Prioritize Maintenance: Allocate time and resources to maintenance. It's not glamorous, but it’s crucial. I know it feels like a waste of time, but trust me: it's not. Regular updates are key to success, it's not something you just do once.
4. Embrace Adaptability: Things change; be ready to adapt. The internet, market conditions, customer preferences – all this keeps changing! Stay agile and pivot as needed.

So, yeah, "enshittification" might not be the prettiest word, but it's a powerful one. It's a reminder to stay vigilant, to pay attention to the details, and to avoid letting things slowly fall apart. And hey, maybe you can even use it in your next blog post – guaranteed to get some clicks! Seriously though, understanding this word gives you a useful lens through which to view the world around you. It’s a lesson on how words can be powerful and insightful, just like Macquarie’s choice of “enshittification” for their 2024 word of the year. And who knows, maybe next year it'll be your word!