Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing The 'sheeple' incident, with Stefan Fatsis
Dec 11, 2025
Stefan Fatsis, journalist and author of 'Unabridged,' shares his surprising journey into the controversy surrounding the word 'sheeple' after defining it for Merriam-Webster. He discusses the public backlash, particularly against a quotation from Apple, leading to its removal. Stefan also explores the innovative 'Backward Index' created by Philip Gove that revolutionized lexicography, and how Merriam-Webster swiftly adapted to the COVID era with rapid definitions. With insights into the importance of language during crises, this conversation is a must-listen for word enthusiasts!
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The Sheeple Backlash
- Stefan Fatsis documented how he researched and wrote the Merriam‑Webster entry for "sheeple."
- The Apple quotation he used provoked a swift public backlash that forced Merriam to remove the example sentence.
Choose Example Sentences Carefully
- When drafting dictionary entries, prioritize balanced, mainstream citations to illustrate meaning.
- Avoid examples that might distract readers from the definition's core purpose.
Choice Of Examples Sparked Controversy
- Stefan chose example citations (Kara Swisher, Ted Nugent, NYT, CNN) when defining "sheeple."
- Public complaints and media coverage turned the example into a distraction and Merriam removed it.
