Factoid: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฐ
factoid
[ หfรฆktษษชd ]
trivia detail
A factoid is a brief or minor fact, often not true or important, that is presented as if it were significant or genuine. The term often refers to small pieces of information that are widely circulated but may lack accuracy or relevance.
Synonyms
nugget of information, piece of trivia, small fact.
Examples of usage
- Did you know that a factoid claims goldfish only have a three-second memory?
- The magazine is filled with entertaining factoids about celebrities.
- She shared a curious factoid about the history of chocolate.
- Many internet articles are filled with factoids that are misleading.
Translations
Translations of the word "factoid" in other languages:
๐ต๐น fato
๐ฎ๐ณ เคคเคฅเฅเคฏ
๐ฉ๐ช Fakt
๐ฎ๐ฉ fakta
๐บ๐ฆ ัะฐะบั
๐ต๐ฑ fakt
๐ฏ๐ต ไบๅฎ
๐ซ๐ท fait
๐ช๐ธ hecho
๐น๐ท gerรงek
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฌ์ค
๐ธ๐ฆ ุญูููุฉ
๐จ๐ฟ fakt
๐ธ๐ฐ fakt
๐จ๐ณ ไบๅฎ
๐ธ๐ฎ dejstvo
๐ฎ๐ธ fakt
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะฐะบั
๐ฌ๐ช แคแแฅแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ fakt
๐ฒ๐ฝ hecho
Etymology
The term 'factoid' was coined by American writer Norman Mailer in his 1973 book 'Marilyn', where he used it to describe unfounded or trivial pieces of information presented as facts. In Mailer's view, factoids were often used by journalists and authors to fill space and create an illusion of knowledge without substantial backing. The term has since evolved to denote tidbits of information that may be true, partially true, or completely fabricated, yet are often embraced by the public. It reflects how easily misinformation can spread in media and everyday conversations. Over time, factoids have become a staple in pop culture, particularly in trivia games and social media, underscoring our appetite for quick, digestible bits of information.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,379, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.
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