"Poverty porn" - ouch (I like that one):
poverty porn
(say 'povuhtee pawn)
noun the intimate depiction of poverty in film, television, etc., seen as being for the entertainment of an audience which is wealthy by comparison and therefore as being exploitative.
If you think cyber bullies and climate change deniers are a buzz kill, or if you've got a man crush on the noob geek chic data broker, then you are well-equipped to cast a vote for this year's Macquarie Dictionary word of the year competition.
If you can blag your way into the best restaurants to enjoy the finest microherb salads, or if you know to respond "y'mum" when someone says to you: "I think you look like a butterface with those statement lashes and that fauxhawk", your input is equally valuable.
This is the fourth year of the annual Macquarie Dictionary competition, which in 2006 was won by muffin top, in 2007 by pod slurping and 2008 by toxic debt.
This year's winning word will be decided by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence, and announced on February 3.
However, online polling begins on Tuesday to determine the people's choice award, to be announced on the same day.
Voters can choose words from 17 different categories such as fashion, ecology, social interest and technology.
Environmental issues and last year's global financial crisis have offered up a number of new terms including eco-coffin, bushfire survival plan, green harvesting, mortgage stress and the Zimbabwe option - describing that government's decision to issue more money in an attempt to escape financial crisis.
But those more media savvy voters may be more interested in media punking, tricking the media into believing a false story, or poverty porn, the intimate depiction of poverty in film and television seen as exploitative entertainment for a rich audience.
More sporty types would probably prefer the new form of skateboarding called caster boarding, a skydiving manoeuvre called pond swooping, or the roar factor - a home crowd's ability to influence an umpire at a sporting game.
To cast your vote go to www.macquariedictionary.com.au
