Times change, and so do the meaning of phrases. As most conspiracy theories have come true, the phrase has become synonymous with ‘spoiler alert.’ Enough so in widespread usage that the 2021 edition of the Merriam Webster’s Thesaurus has made the connection official.
The new synonym follows on the heels of the phrase ‘conspiracy theorist’ being officially simplified to ‘thinker.’
These linguistic developments may surprise those not aware of conspiracy theories. However, we may now view such people properly as non-thinkers. By the same reasoning, people who don’t want to hear any more conspiracy theories may be viewed as people who prefer not to think.
The implications of these new insights are not limited to flagging the non-thinkers among us. Many robust thinkers find conspiracy theories to be annoying. As annoying as hearing a spoiler alert for a book or movie not yet enjoyed.
Conspiracy theories have now become spoiler alerts for the real world. But even the most admired thinkers sometimes prefer to keep their heads in the sand.
