lamestream

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence The word 'lamestream' is not an officially recognized word in English and is not considered a proper way to communicate.
It is most often used in a derogatory or humorous way to talk about mainstream news sources or people who are seen as conformists or outdated in their views and opinions. For example, "Those in the lamestream media are out of touch with modern thinking."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

But they hate MSNBC and the "lamestream media" still more.

The Economist

After quitting her job as Alaska's governor she has relied on native wit, celebrity and a genius for slogans ("death panels", "lamestream media") to turn herself into a formidable political force.

The Economist

Twitting intellectuals and the "lamestream" media is part of her brand.

The Economist

Then you sit back and watch your support grow among a core audience which despises the lamestream media as much it scorns objective truth.

Independent

Like almost everything else that involves Palin – who, despite her habit of avoiding interviews in what she calls the "lamestream media," has still not ruled out a run for the 2012 Presidency – the broadsides are receiving endless attention.

Independent

He denounced the "lamestream media," and Communists in Cambridge and in the White House.

The New Yorker

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin, wary, stood with Sarah Palin, giddy, her hangups about the lamestream media momentarily gone in the presence of Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie.

The New Yorker

At Fox, Ailes not only has showcased what amounts to the top tier in any liberal's idea of a rogues' gallery — Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck — but has devised a twenty-four-hour alternative reality to what is proffered by "the lamestream media," as the Fox News contributor Sarah Palin calls it.

The New Yorker

(Which weren't that bad, whatever the lamestream media says).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

@andydaglas: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in the stars, but in the Lamestream Media.

The New Yorker

This all sounds very familiar … Perhaps you're thinking of the Lamestream Media, a term made popular by Sarah Palin to describe reporters who suggested that she and the Tea Party were, you know … I remember.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context before using "lamestream". In formal or academic writing, more neutral or precise terms like "mainstream media" or "establishment media" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "lamestream" when a neutral term is more appropriate. Using "lamestream" in contexts requiring objectivity can undermine your credibility. Instead use "mainstream media" or "conventional media".

Linguistic Context

The word "lamestream" primarily functions as an adjective to describe media outlets perceived as mainstream and, often, biased or out of touch. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is often used in a derogatory or humorous way.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "lamestream" is an adjective used to describe mainstream media, often with a negative connotation implying bias or lack of originality. While frequently used in news and media contexts, particularly in opinion pieces, it's considered informal and can be perceived as derogatory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is rarely appropriate in formal or academic settings. More neutral alternatives such as "mainstream media" or "conventional media" are recommended for objective discussions. Understanding its strong negative connotation is crucial for effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainstream media

Replaces "lamestream" with a more neutral term for traditional media outlets.

establishment media

Highlights the perceived conformity and lack of independence of mainstream media.

conventional media

Focuses on the traditional and potentially outdated nature of mainstream media.

old media

Emphasizes the contrast between traditional and newer forms of media.

legacy media

Similar to "old media", but with a stronger implication of being outdated or irrelevant.

corporate media

Highlights the influence of corporate ownership on mainstream media.

controlled media

Suggests that mainstream media is manipulated or influenced by external forces.

biased media

Directly accuses mainstream media of being unfair or prejudiced.

propaganda machine

A more extreme term suggesting that mainstream media is used to spread biased information.

news media

A more general term to refer to mainstream news.

FAQs

How did the term "lamestream" become popular?

The term "lamestream" gained popularity through its use by political figures and commentators, particularly Sarah Palin, to criticize mainstream media outlets they perceived as biased or out of touch.

Is "lamestream" a formal or informal term?

"Lamestream" is an informal and often pejorative term. It is generally not appropriate for formal writing or professional communication. Opt for more neutral terms like "mainstream media" in those contexts.

What are some alternatives to "lamestream" that don't carry a negative connotation?

Alternatives to "lamestream" that avoid negative connotations include "mainstream media", "establishment media", or "conventional media". These terms are more neutral and suitable for objective discussions.

In what situations might it be appropriate to use the term "lamestream"?

The term "lamestream" might be used in informal conversations, opinion pieces, or satirical content where a critical or humorous tone is intended. However, be mindful of your audience and the potential for offense.