Trend Watch

Pariah

International outrage directed at Vladimir Putin and Russia ...

When:

Lookups spiked on July 20, 2014.

Why:

International outrage following the apparent shooting down of flight MH17 was directed at Ukrainian separatists and their Russian allies. British foreign secretary William Hague said that "Russia risks becoming a pariah state" as a consequence of the attack. Other journalists and politicians referred to Vladimir Putin as a "pariah" as further sanctions against Russia were discussed.

Pariah means "one that is despised or rejected" or "outcast."

It comes from the word for "drummer" in the Tamil language of southern India, where some tribal drummers and servants were regarded as social outcasts.


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