Merriam-Webster defines dumpster fire as “an utterly calamitous or mismanaged situation or occurrence”. Seriously, they actually defined it. After first being spotted in 2006, “dumpster fire” has become commonly used and has to be in the running for word of the year for 2020. But it’s curiously lacking from our emoji keyboards. Why?
As a cybersecurity professional, this term has long been near and dear to my heart. 2020 meant that everyone could share in that feeling!
“Dumpster fire” is a quick way to summarize a situation. It’s a clear metaphor. The foul odour of garbage with the added oomph of being lit on fire to not only increase it’s visual appeal but to amplify it’s stench.
The good news about a dumpster fire? You can put it out.
Swag
At Comic-Con 2019, 100% Soft gave away this absolutely adorable vinyl figure dumpster fire. I’ll be honest. I want one. One thing went right for me in 2020, I managed to get my hands on one! Don’t worry, more will be available soon.
But this isn’t the only dumpster fire swag available.
A quick search of Etsy shows a wide variety of pins, stickers, t-shirts, and other items. Cotton Bureau also has a wonderful, simplified version on a t-shirt based on the icons included in Font Awesome. It’s dumpster fires everywhere!
