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Being notorious means being famous, usually for something bad or unfavorable. It indicates widespread knowledge of someone’s negative traits or actions. Notoriety is about being well-known for the wrong reasons. Consider a hacker known for causing massive cyberattacks; they are notorious. It's more than just being disliked; it's being recognized for bad behavior. It's like being the 'most wanted' criminal on TV, not a celebrity.
The word "notorious" comes from the Medieval Latin "notorius," derived from Latin "notus," meaning "known." It evolved to describe something widely and publicly known, but usually in a negative context. The connection to "note" or "notice" emphasizes the widespread recognition. The evolution reflects a shift towards highlighting negative or scandalous fame.
In the show 'Squid Game', the games themselves become 'notorious' around the world, even among people who weren't involved. The brutality and desperation are what made them 'notorious.' Similarly, a real-world hack or scandal can become 'notorious' very quickly.
Use 'notorious' to describe people or things that are well-known for negative reasons. It’s a strong word that highlights their notoriety. Use it to spice up your vocabulary! 🔥
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