When:
Lookups spiked on July 29, 2015
Why:
The shooting of an unarmed black man by a white police officer in Cincinnati was captured on video by the officer's body camera, and the footage led to a murder indictment. County prosecutor Joseph T. Deters said, "this is without question a murder," and added: "this is the most asinine act I've ever seen a police officer make, totally unwarranted." In another statement, he said: "It was a senseless, asinine shooting." He has been praised for his clear language and quick action.
Asinine means "extremely or utterly foolish." It can also mean "of, relating to, or resembling an ass." The word comes straight from Latin in both senses; the association of "stupid" or "obstinate" qualities with the animal is not new to English. (The donkey is a domesticated descendant of the ass.)
