'Wardrobe Malfunction' Becomes Top Phrase

Published January 14, 2015

The Janet Jackson (search) bare breast incident during the Super Bowl (search) halftime show is among this year's events recognized as changing the way we speak.

A group that analyzes the latest trends in word usage declared "wardrobe malfunction" as Hollywood's Top Word or Phrase for Impact on the English language.

"There is no question that Hollywood has had a profound impact upon word choice and usage for Global English," said Paul JJ Payack, President of the Global Language Monitor. "'Wardrobe Malfunction' is but one example of a phrase that is destined to outlive the football game with which it is associated."

The phrase became famous after Justin Timberlake (search) snatched off part of Jackson's bustier on stage, revealing a breast clad only in a sun-shaped "nipple shield" in front of some 89 million viewers.

Timberlake issued a statement shortly after the show apologizing and blaming the debacle on a "wardrobe malfunction."

Rounding out the top five on the group's list: "Bootylicious," "extreme makeover," "Gigli" and "Give it up!"

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/story/wardrobe-malfunction-becomes-top-phrase