You Could Say That Again (3)

Ever notice how you tend to hear the same words over and over again when something big is going on? Here are some words that popped up a lot during 2008, either in national news or in local happenings:

Big Three, the: The three largest car industries in the U.S. Characterized by executives who choose to top off their corporate jets rather than put cash in their employees' pockets. This term appeared in the media a lot when Congress was deciding who should get the bailout monies.

Credit crunch: A crisis in which the ability is to borrow vast amounts of non-existent wealth is hindered. Brought on by people who think that owning plastic exempts them from paying for their goods. This cliche was a favorite term for reporters to describe the economic crisis that has come to define 2008.

Lawmakers: A bunch of guys who earn their keep by rescuing unfortunate industries, getting into heated arguments over who gets to dish out the bailout pie, and taking the longest possible time to get a task done. These people seemed to have been at the center of attention as of late, and you don't hear about the economic crisis without hearing what Congress is trying to do about it.

Merger: The joining of two companies. Often used to describe the absorption of a less powerful business by a more powerful one. Examples: Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines merging, to come under the new name of . . . Delta. Also, Weimar and Amazing Facts (although officially they are "married", not merged). Weimartians heard a lot about this last spring when negotiations between the two ministries were underway.