Merriam-Webster Adds 'Sheeple' to Dictionary and Lists Apple Users as Example

[morcutt11]

Where is the safe space for the Apple users? Seriously - it is necessary to single out a particular product user base, political group, etc. to cite an example that is easily understood? Probably not. I'm not one for political correctness and being overly concerned that someone is offended by something I say when I didn't mean to offend them, but I'm not sure this example even makes a lot of sense. Years ago, during the peak of Steve Jobs, Apple product users were pretty dedicated and accepting, but based on feedback I've seen regarding the iPhone 7, last MacBook Pro iteration, etc., I think that ship has sailed.

Now - if we were talking about Taylor Swift fans....

 

[jayducharme]

Sorry to ram home the point, but are ewe saying it's a baAaAad example?

That really gets my goat.

 

[chelsel]

I think leaving corporate names out of dictionary definitions makes a lot of sense. I have nothing against the term sheeple, but perhaps it should be defined as: sheeple - any group of people that follow a belief based solely on the fact that others follow that belief. (sounds a lot like religion)

 

[MysteryMii215]

I'm just gonna assume that Doug Criss is a FanDroid (my word for Android fanboys).

 

[M2M]

Lots of sheeple will be offended !

 

[RiddlaBronc]

In before butthurt...oh wait too late

 

[doelcm82]

Dictionaries reflect the usage of words and provide examples of how they are used, it doesn't mean the writers of the dictionary agree with the sentiment behind them when they are pejorative or insulting. I'm sure we could all think of many such words that are in many dictionaries that are both insulting and often used unfairly and offensively, but we couldn't argue they are aren't in fact used in the way the examples provided claim.

Agreed. But the only ones who use this word are people who are docile, compliant, or easily influenced.

 

[jimbobb24]

That's funny. Haters gonna hate!

 

[Fzang]

sounds a lot like religion)

Shhhhh!!! Not so loud!

 

[Mouse man]

Wow. That is in very poor taste at best.

Ha ha really? Lol

 

[69Mustang]

That was funny.

 

[lunarworks]

I'm just gonna assume that Doug Criss is a FanDroid (my word for Android fanboys).

This looks to be where they pulled the quote from:

http://www.cnn.com/2015/12/09/us/new-day-five-things/

He's a blogger for CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/profiles/doug-criss-profile

 

[GeneralChang]

They're just jealous that Apple uses the Oxford English dictionary in their OS.

 

[DakotaGuy]

Even as an Apple owner that's hilarious and true in some cases. Not all, but some. I own products from 4 platforms... Mac OS, Windows 10, iOS and Android. All have their pros and cons. If your buying or defending a product only because of the brand on it then sheeple could describe you.

 

[DUIduckSAUCE]

Freaking hilarious

 

[blackcrayon]

I think we need to come up with more examples.

i.e.

Apple took outdated, old hardware called the iPhone 5s (or iPad Air 1), rebranded it, renamed it, sold as new and the Sheeple eagerly bought it.

That is a good example, actually. Usually it's used in a ridiculous exaggeration at best, and as a clueless observation by someone who him or herself doesn't understand tech at worst. (E.g., the "sheeple will buy the iPhone 4S even though it's the exact same thing as the iPhone 4!")

 

[JosephAW]

God was first in calling us sheep.
Isaiah 53:6

 

[coolfactor]

Doug Criss is probably spending several hours every month defragging his Windows computer and probably replaces his Android phone every 6 months.
[doublepost=1493401621][/doublepost]

That's awesome!

Anyone who gets offended by this needs to lighten up big time.

It's one thing to get offended, but it's another for the uninformed to read this and then start preaching it to others that are also uninformed. Overall, it's harmful to Apple's brand and the community, without justification.

 

[ArcaneDevice]

Anyone who gets offended by this needs to lighten up big time.

Anyone who gets offended by this article is the very reason it actually happened and they should take a long look at themselves in the mirror.

Or alternatively open another dictionary and look up the words "rational" and "objective" for the next time they are about to post a comment.

 

[jarman92]

Amazing how sheeple is still used in reference to Apple considering there are STILL people who refuse to return the Note 7, a phone which literally spontaneously combusts and at this point cannot be fully charged or access cellular networks.

 

[hvfsl]

I personally find it amusing because it doesn't seem that many years ago that many Mac users were calling Windows users sheep. Now you only buy a Windows phone because you want to be different.

 

[dwaltwhit]

Im an OED man myself. Only sheeple would be taken in by such a bourgeois publication ;-)

 

[groovyd]

their popularity must be fading that they need to reference popular memes to try getting their mojo back

 

[BootsWalking]

Not sure how exactly you can come up with a real-world usage of the word "sheeple" that doesn't offend a large group of people. It's the nature of the word.

 

[Analog Kid]

Hey look at that-- a little bit of controversy and suddenly a 200 year old list of words is in the news again! I'm sure this will give them plenty of contemporary citations they can use for "clickbait" in future editions.

For myself, I'll just take solace in knowing that in 10,000 years we will rise again and the world shall know our wrath:

​