24 October 2025

How do you avoid becoming a crackpot?

Step 1: Look up the etymology of "crackpot" on etymonline. com ("cracked" is slang for crazy and "pot" slang for head/skull). 

Step 2: Observe the word frequency graph showing how the word "crackpot" exploded in popularity in the 1930s, peaking around 1950, collapsing to a temporary low in 1980, only to make a steady comeback in the 2000s. 

Step 3: Check out the trending words section. Did you know that both "woman" and "serendipity" are more popular than they've ever been? 

Step 4: Recall how you only actually learned the meaning of "serendipity" last year. 

Step 5: . . . 

Step 6: Eat breakfast. 

Step 7: Receive a text from your landlady accusing you, Linda (??), of being a crackhead leech and warning you to stay away from the house. Become mildly concerned. 

Step 8: Think about feedback loops. Lament.