Factoid
/ˈfæk.tɔɪd/noun
A brief or trivial fact, often presented as true but lacking in depth or accuracy.
Did you know?The term 'factoid' was coined by Norman Mailer in the 1970s, suggesting that these 'facts' could be fabricated or misleading, blurring the line between reality and fiction.
Etymological Timeline
Late 19th Century
English
fact
“A statement or assertion of reality or truth.”
Late 19th Century
English
oid
“A suffix meaning 'like' or 'resembling', often used to indicate a form or likeness.”
1973
English
factoid
“A neologism created by Norman Mailer to describe a fact that is not necessarily true but is presented as such.”
Modern English
English
factoid
“A term widely used in media to denote trivial or questionable facts.”