If you are a fan of crossword puzzles, you might have come across the clue “Fatalistic sort, in slang” in the New York Times crossword puzzle on October 16, 2022. The answer to this clue is DOOMER, a six-letter word that has become a popular term in online culture. But what does it mean and where did it come from? In this article, we will explore the origin, meaning, and usage of this slang word.

The Origin of Doomer

The word doomer is derived from the word doom, which means “death, destruction, or some other terrible fate”. A doomer is someone who believes that doom is inevitable and unavoidable, and that there is no hope for the future. The word doomer is often used to describe people who are pessimistic, depressed, cynical, or nihilistic.

The word doomer first appeared on the internet in 2008, when a user on the online forum Peak Oil posted a thread titled “Are you a Doomer?”. The thread asked other users to share their views on the impending collapse of civilization due to the depletion of natural resources, especially oil. The term doomer soon became a label for people who subscribed to this bleak worldview.

However, the word doomer gained more popularity and exposure in 2019, when a series of memes featuring a character named Doomer were posted on various websites, such as Reddit, 4chan, and Twitter. The Doomer character is depicted as a young man with long hair, a beanie, a cigarette, and a sad expression. The memes contrast him with other characters, such as Boomer, Zoomer, Bloomer, and Wojak, who represent different generations, attitudes, and emotions. The Doomer memes often portray the Doomer character as a lonely, unhappy, and hopeless person who suffers from various problems, such as anxiety, insomnia, addiction, and existential crisis.

The Meaning of Doomer

The word doomer can have different meanings depending on the context and the tone. In general, it can be used as a noun or an adjective to describe someone who is:

• Extremely pessimistic about the future of the world, humanity, or themselves.
• Convinced that there is no solution or escape from the problems they face.
• Disillusioned with society, politics, culture, or religion.
• Lacking motivation, purpose, or joy in life.
• Prone to depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.

For example, someone might say:

• He is such a doomer, he always thinks that everything is going to end badly.
• She has a doomer attitude, she never tries to improve her situation.
• He listens to doomer music, like Joy Division and Radiohead.
• She watches doomer movies, like The Road and Requiem for a Dream.
• He reads doomer books, like 1984 and The Catcher in the Rye.

The word doomer can also be used as a verb to mean:

• To act or speak in a pessimistic or fatalistic way.
• To lose hope or give up on something or someone.
• To cause or bring doom to oneself or others.

For example, someone might say:

• He is dooming himself by smoking so much.
• She doomed our relationship by cheating on me.
• He always dooms everything he touches.
• She is dooming the planet by driving a gas-guzzler.

The word doomer can also be used as an interjection to express:

• Disappointment, frustration, or despair.
• Resignation, acceptance, or indifference.
• Mockery, sarcasm, or irony.

For example, someone might say:

• Doomer! I failed the exam again.
• Doomer. What can we do? It is what it is.
• Doomer. Yeah, sure, everything will be fine.

The Usage of Doomer

The word doomer is mainly used in informal and online contexts, especially among young people who are familiar with internet culture and memes. The word doomer can be used to describe oneself or others, or to communicate one’s feelings or opinions. The word doomer can also be used to form compound words, such as doomerism, doomerpill, doomercore, or doomerwave, which refer to various aspects of the doomer subculture, such as philosophy, ideology, aesthetics, or music.

The word doomer is not always used in a negative or derogatory way. Sometimes, it can be used in a humorous, self-deprecating, or ironic way, or as a way of bonding with others who share the same outlook or experience. Some people may also use the word doomer as a way of coping with the challenges and uncertainties of life, or as a way of expressing their dissatisfaction or criticism of the status quo.

However, the word doomer can also be used in a serious, critical, or offensive way, or as a way of insulting or dismissing others who have different views or values. Some people may also use the word doomer as a way of avoiding responsibility or action, or as a way of rationalizing their failures or shortcomings.

The word doomer is not a neutral or objective term. It is a subjective and evaluative term that reflects one’s perspective and attitude. Therefore, the word doomer can have different implications and connotations depending on who uses it, how they use it, and who they use it for. The word doomer can also elicit different reactions and responses from different people, depending on their own beliefs and feelings.

The word doomer is a slang word that has emerged and evolved in the digital age. It is a word that captures the mood and mindset of many people who are living in a complex and chaotic world. It is a word that can be used to communicate, connect, or confront. It is a word that can be used to laugh, cry, or sigh. It is a word that can be used to doom or bloom.