On May 31st, 2017, Donald Trump made a tweet that made people all over the world baffle with confusion. The world learned about a new word not heard before, as the tweet read:
Despite the constant negative press covfefe
While the original tweet was deleted shortly after its publication, the author and his associates made it clear that it was not a typo of any sorts. White House Press Secretary at that time, Sean Spencer, commented ”I think the president and a small group of people knew exactly what he meant.”. The president himself incited the public to figure out the true meaning of ”covfefe”:
In today’s turbulent world, I believe the true meaning of covfefe has unraveled before us. I’ve finally figured it out! Let me spell it out for you:
COrona Virus Full Epidemic Fastly Execute (COVFEFE)
Critics may argue that Fastly is not a word, but let me remind you that this if coming from a man who invents his own words, and Donald Trump has previously used the word bigly.
A conspirator might even say that the timing is on point for the covfefe tweet to have been the starting signal for the development of what is now known as COVID-19. However, I would like for people to refrain from indulging in conspiracy mumbo jumbo such as what I’ve written above.
Social media can be a blessing and a curse in times like these. Sadly, people are quick to speculate and share rumors and fake news about COVID-19 with each other on platforms like Facebook and Twitter while trying to figure out how to best protect themselves and their loved ones. While the intention may not necessarily be bad, the execution is often poor.
As I’m writing this post, I feel that it is rather distasteful and should perhaps not have been published. Are you allowed to joke and make fun of Corona? Even if you’re not particularly funny? On the other hand, injecting this into people’s feeds might be what pushes them away from using social media as a news source, although I doubt I have that amount of influence on people. Anyway, I’m done with my hypocrisy and will now return to my natural quiet state.
Be well, be safe, and stay frosty.
Språk, kultur och mjuka saker 