Watercooler Stories

List of likely 2012 'top words' released

AUSTIN, Texas, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- A U.S. language group has released its annual global survey of words and phrases it says are likely to dominate word usage and creation in 2012.

In its 12th annual global survey of the English language, Global Language Monitor said terms such as CERN, Kate, China, the Olympics and those relating to the U.S. elections and end-of-world scenarios will be foremost next year.

"The year 2012 looks to be a vibrant year for the English language with word creation again driven by events both scheduled and unanticipated," Paul JJ Payack, president and chief word analyst of GLM, said.

"Typically there is an 'end-of-the-world' scenario every few years that impacts the English language; this year we will see no fewer than three including the Maya Apocalypse and the Solar Max," he said.

GLM, based in Austin, Texas, ranked words from throughout the English-speaking world, with an estimated 1.83 billion speakers, analyzing the Internet, blogosphere, the top 75,000 print and electronic global media and social media sources.

GLM determined "occupy" was the Top Word, "Arab Spring" the Top Phrase, and Steve Jobs the Top Name of 2011 in its survey.

"Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge, will compete with the London Olympics, the economic surge of China, various activities involving the CERN atom smasher, and the U.S. presidential election for Top Word honors, though we always allow for word creation generated from unexpected events such as Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or the Japanese 'triple disaster' of 2011," Payack said.

McDonald's U.K. stores open for Christmas

LONDON, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- McDonald's said it opened 60 of its 1,200 restaurants in Britain on Christmas to meet the demand of those seeking alternative holiday meals.

The company said it opened the eateries on Christmas due to an increased demand for fast-food on the holiday and all employees who worked Christmas volunteered for the shifts, The Sun reported Monday.

Marion Bray, 49, and Darren Hellicar, 38, said they enjoyed their "McChristmas lunch" at a London location.

"We thought, 'Why not?' Christmas isn't about where you go, but who you spend it with," Bray said.

2011 name changes include Pink Nice

NOTTINGHAM, England, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- Officials said the 10,000 Britons who had their names legally changed this year include a woman who dubbed herself Pink Nice.

The Legal Deed Poll Service said a Nottingham, England, mother of three changed her name from Charlotte Price to Pink Nice, The Independent reported Monday.

Other name changes in 2011 included a pair of best friends who are now believed to have the longest names in Britain. Daniel Knox-Hewson, 23, changed his moniker to Emperor Spiderman Gandalf Wolverine Skywalker Optimus Prime Goku Sonic Xavier Ryu Cloud Superman Heman Batman Thrash -- while his best friend, Kelvin Borbidge, 22, became Baron Venom Balrog Sabretooth Vader Megatron Vegeta Robotnik Magneto Bison Sephiroth Lex Luthor Skeletor Joker Grind.

Jacob, Sophia top baby names in Arizona

PHOENIX, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- The Arizona Department of Health Services announced this year's top name for baby girls born in the state was Sophia and the top boys' name was Jacob.

The department said the name Sophia was bestowed on 505 infant girls during 2011 and a further 167 babies were given the alternate spelling Sofia, Capitol Media Services reported Monday.

Sophia did not appear on the list at all in 2001, while this year's most popular boys' name, Jacob, also topped the list 10 years ago.

The only girls' name to make the list in both years was Elizabeth, which appeared at No. 9 both times.

The No. 3, 4 and 5 boys' names, Anthony, David and Michael, also appeared in the top 10 in 2001.