mean world syndrome
n.— «He coined the phrase “mean world syndrome,” a phenomenon in which people who watch large amounts of television are more likely to believe that the world is an unforgiving and frightening place.» —“George Gerbner, TV violence researcher and theorist, dies at 86″ in Philadelphia, Pa. PennLive.com Dec. 30, 2005. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
In the 15th century, the word respair meant “to have hope again.” Although this word fell out of use, it’s among dozens collected in a new book of soothing vocabulary for troubled times. Plus, baseball slang: If a batter...
Eric from West Lafayette, Indiana, wonders which phrase is correct when referring to “making the grade” or “meeting expectations”: Is it cut the mustard or cut the muster? It’s the former, a reference to the strong...