Claude Closky: Dictionary 2018

With ‘Dictionary’, Claude Closky proposes new definitions for more than 3000 nouns or expressions. Their meanings are described through financial concepts, such as market capitalization, profit margin, return on equity or cash. Indeed, the common feature among all these words is that they have been appropriated by listed companies or investment funds. “Apple”, “Amazon” or “Alphabet” are examples that come directly to the mind, but there are many others, some being surprising, or even creative. Literally, one can now buy or sell these words. With capitalism getting everywhere and absorbing everything, language has acquired an unforeseen value. Common nouns get new meanings that gradually overlap with their original definitions. The compilation gathered in these 262 pages makes this book both a grim and fun read, a direct window on our modern times psyche.