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Please forgive my pedantry, but the suffix `-oid` means `-like`, i.e. not a fact. I should start calling minor-facts "factlets" lol https://www.thefreedictionar
by Lammy 6y ago
Please forgive my pedantry, but the suffix `-oid` means `-like`, i.e. not a fact. I should start calling minor-facts "factlets" lol https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Diminutive+suffix https://www.thefreedictionary.com/Diminutive+suffix
- pbhjpbhj 6y agoIn UK English usage I'd say it means a "minor fact". Compare planetoid, meteoroid, for other examples of -oid being used specifically to indicate a diminutive or minor form of something. You can possibly blame Steve Wright, Radio 2 talk show host/DJ for popularising the term with that meaning in the UK.
- Semaphor 6y ago> A factoid is either a false statement presented as a fact, or a true but brief or trivial item of news or information. -- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factoid https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factoid
- Lammy 6y agoKeep scrolling! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factoid#Versus_factlet https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factoid#Versus_factlet
- NoSorryCannot 6y agoThe proverbial ship had sailed on this one. Factlet would be a conspicuous alternative. Favor the meaning people actually use and let the history of factoid be an interesting factoid.