"From "affluenza" to "zitcom," Word Spy is a guide to the explosion of new words by Paul McFedries, the creator of the popular newsletter and website of the same name. It demonstrates how new words both reflect and illuminate not only the subcultures that coin them but also the larger culture in which these groups exist. Each chapter of Word Spy is a cultural snapshot that focuses on a specific idea or sociological phenomenon, with an emphasis on the words and phrases that is has generated. These snapshots cover various aspects of modern life, including relationships, business, technology, war, aging, multiculturalism, and even fast food."--BOOK JACKET.