They are SO canceled after all their controversial actions; I am unfollowing.
The 1991 film "New Jack City" used the term "canceled," which has its roots in African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Around 2015, the phrase became more widespread, with people using it to express their disapproval or boycott of an individual or company. People used the word both jokingly and seriously, with a variety of disadvantages, from fashion choices to social welfare.
The word began to gain major traction and eventually evolved into its own cultural phenomenon, known as “Cancel Culture.” This concept is highly controversial, with significant debate surrounding its impact and ethics. Some argue that cancel culture promotes accountability and social justice by holding people responsible for their actions. Others argue that it can be overly punitive, leaving little room for growth or redemption, and that society should focus more on educating and rehabilitating individuals.
The Kanye West and Taylor Swift scandal was a highly popular moment in which a celebrity was "canceled." In 2016, a leaked recorded phone call between the two about West's song "Famous" sparked a public backlash and resulted in millions of people online "cancelling" Taylor Swift. This incident highlighted the role of social media in driving cancel culture.A more lighthearted example of using the term would be someone joking that their friend is “canceled” for wearing white after Labor Day. Regardless, most social media platforms heavily utilize the phrase, with people publicly displaying criticism.
