Welcome to Word Geek Wednesday, where we explore words in the context of pop culture! Our word today is...
ep·i·thet /ˈe-pə-ˌthet/ (n.)
: a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing: a disparaging or abusive word or phrase
When you hear the word "epithet," you usually think of some negative connotations (you've heard of "hurling epithets" at a referee, for example), but that's a recent development.
Back in its earliest usage, an epithet is simply a descriptive word to emphasize a certain trait. Alexander "the Great" is an example of an epithet. Ivan "the Terrible" is another.
You don't need to look any further for examples than the titles of your favorite comic books, like the "Uncanny" X-Men or "Sensational" Spider-Man!
Even comic book creators have their own epithets. The Marvel Bullpen famously had their own, from "Smilin'" Stan Lee to the "Rascally" Roy Thomas!
And who could forget AEW's "Timeless" Toni Storm, who earned her epithet in blood, sweat, and tits tears?
Go forth and earn your own epithet! Have a word you would like me to check out? Leave them in the comments below!
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