NATIONAL ENQUIRER Meaning and
Definition
-
The National Enquirer is a sensationalist weekly tabloid newspaper that mainly focuses on celebrity gossip, scandals, and conspiracy theories. Founded in 1926, it has gained notoriety for its bold and often outrageous headlines and stories that often exaggerate or fabricate information to attract readership.
Primarily targeting American audiences, the National Enquirer presents itself as an entertainment news outlet. However, it is widely regarded as a supermarket tabloid due to its prevalence in grocery store checkout aisles and its tendency to prioritize scandalous and provocative content over serious journalism. The publication covers a wide range of topics, including celebrity divorces, affairs, pregnancies, and health issues, often accompanied by eye-catching and sometimes controversial photographs.
The National Enquirer has faced criticism for its controversial news practices and alleged unethical behavior. It has been known to engage in intrusive tactics such as secret surveillance, aggressive paparazzi-style photography, and the cultivation of anonymous sources, often referred to as "insiders" or "insiders close to the source."
Despite its polarizing reputation, the National Enquirer has maintained a loyal readership over the years. Its sensationalized content and sensational headlines have garnered attention, making it a significant player in the realm of celebrity and entertainment news.
Etymology of NATIONAL ENQUIRER
The word "enquirer" comes from the Middle English word "enquiren", which in turn originated from the Old French term "enquerre". Both words essentially mean "to inquire" or "to ask about". Additionally, the word "national" is derived from the Latin word "natio", which means "of a nation" or "belonging to a nation". Hence, the word "National Enquirer" signifies a publication that seeks to inquire about or investigate national matters or topics of interest.
