Word watch

Here is an investigative report on the acts and antics of society over the last two decades, based on Anne H. Soukhanov's popular "Word Watch" column in The Atlantic Monthly. The 365 words and phrases defined here, many appearing for the first time, are the author's informants. The words, grouped thematically in thirteen chapters, each introduced by an essay revealing their significance, show where we've been, what we've done, what we oughtn't have done, and where we're headed.