In the computer industry, a buzzword refers to the latest technology. Because they may sound catchy and leading edge, buzzwords are often overused and abused (see
cloudwashing).
Artificial intelligence is a hot buzzword today (see
AI). The goal of "decentralizing everything" has created many new terms such as
DeFi,
blockchain,
Bitcoin,
Ethereum,
Web3 and
cryptocurrency. See
crypto glossary.
Another top buzzword is
metaverse, which implies a virtual world for everything. Other buzzwords are
IoT and
augmented reality.
In the beginning, everyone uses cutting edge terms to appear knowledgeable (see
buzzword compliant). However, if not a flash in the pan, new technologies become mainstream, and the words become everyday vocabulary. See
disruptive technology.
Nano Means Very Small
Around the turn of the century, nanotechnology was very popular, and "nano" was tacked onto existing processes that had been microscopic for years. "Nano" was even added to corporate names to maximize the buzz. It simply implies tiny in this Microsoft wireless mouse transceiver, which protrudes only a quarter inch when plugged into a USB port. See
nanotechnology and
transceiver.