Word of the Week-Complicit

This week's word is complicit and has been chosen as Dictionary.com's Word of the Year. It isn't a word that I have encountered in my law school reading yet, but it is certainly a word that may apply to future clients. Dictionary.com defines complicit as "choosing to be involved in an illegal or questionable act, especially with others; having partnership or involvement in wrongdoing." Although the word has been in use since the 1800's, usage of the word was revitalized this year when a sketch on Saturday Night Live featured Scarlett Johansson as Ivanka Trump touting a new fragrance.

Then, Ivanka herself was interviewed on CBS this morning and admitted to not knowing what complicit means.

Finally, Senator Flake of Arizona announced his retirement and stated "I won't be complicit."

It is fascinating to see etymology taking place right in front of us. Will our great-grandchildren someday look up complicity and see these usages explaining the history? Only time will tell.

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