‘Gaslighting’ chosen as the word of the year in the USA

Translated into Spanish as ‘gas lamp’, the term describes a type of psychological abuse that manipulates another person’s perception of reality.

Gaslight, the term describing type dand ill-treatment psychological, which manipulates another person’s perception of reality It was named word of the year in the USA this Monday by Merriam-Webster publishing house, which specializes in dictionaries.

According to its data, searches for that word increased by 1,740% in 2022.

Gaslighting is named after the homonymous play written by British playwright Patrick Hamilton and the film based on it. A 1944 psychological thriller directed by George Cukor and starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, and Angela Lansbury.

Merriam-Webster defines it as the psychological manipulation of a person, often over a long period of time, that causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perceptions of reality, or memories. often causes confusion and loss of confidence and self-confidence.

The rise of ‘fake news’

But in recent years, according to this editorial, its meaning also includes the act of seriously deceiving someone for personal gain, bringing it in line with other modern terms that may refer to manipulation, such as “fake news” (false news). ) or artificial intelligence.

The editorial adds, “The idea of ​​a deliberate deception conspiracy has made ‘gaslighting’ useful to explain lies that are part of a larger plot.”

Merriam-Webster stressed that although there are many words to refer to manipulation or lying, the huge increase in tools and channels used to manipulate lately has made it ‘gaslighting’ this year, and it has risen as the winner of the word of the year.