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Buzzwords are frequently used in news media. These are words that do not typically occur in everyday speech, but are common among newscasters, talking heads, and pundits on cable news.

These ‘news words’ are accepted by audiences for their implied meaning. But often loaded words are misused or used out of context. The actual definitions can be different than what is implied.

Newswordy is a growing collection of these words, updated every weekday. Along with each word is a definition, a quote with its use (or misuse) in the media, and a news and Twitter feed on the subject.

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Newswordy

Usurp.

Take (a position of power or importance) illegally or by force.

This can be tiresome, and ambitious kids may eventually try to usurp their leaders, especially if they have overreached.

Robert Faris, Associate professor at the University of California, Davis