Question of the week 21: Buzzword

Hi and welcome to this week’s ‘question of the week’! This week the phrase ‘buzzword’ will be covered in the following question:

Which five buzzwords are popular now?

A buzzword is a word that creates a lot of hype amongst people. It usually covers technical terms (e.g. Cloud computing), but it can also cover other hyped words that are found and shared in specific subject areas (e.g. the word process in Change management). But which buzzwords are currently hyped?

Ipad – The Ipad defined the tablet market. It sits in the middle of being a laptop and a Smartphone. As it is still a new form of technology that is being accepted, and with much success, this is one buzzword that will stay for the coming while.

Cloud computing – Cloud computing is set to be the future of how computers will be used. As was written in a previous article on Cloud computing, it is about connecting to a network of computers that do specific tasks, removing the need to purchase expensive computers. Since it is still in its infancy, and its full potential still to be explored, cloud computing will stay as a buzzword.

Hybrid cars – Unstable fuel prices have led car companies to look for alternative engines. Hybrid cars, which combine both electric and petrol engines, are the result of this instability. As fuel prices are becoming ever more volatile and expensive, and with the added pressure of government regulations that reduce Carbon Dioxide emissions, hybrid cars will become an even bigger buzzword over time.

3D TV – TVs have evolved from showing black and white images, to full color images, to crisp high definition images, and now to 3D images. 3D first started appearing in cinemas, but now with the 3D TV, it is becoming the buzzword for bringing 3D images to your household.

Motion capture devices – Video game consoles have always been played with a controller. This however is changing as consoles are now including body movements in games. Examples include the wii controller, the Xbox 360 kinect, and the Playstation move. Given its recent introduction, these motion capture devices will continue to be a buzzword as their potential are further explored.

In short: A buzzword is a new technical word that contains a lot of hype, and is talked about by the mainstream public. Five current popular buzzwords include the Ipad, Cloud computing, Hybrid cars, 3D TV, and Motion capture devices.

If you have any questions or differing opinions, then please don’t hesitate to leave a comment!