The Guardian

Yes, covfefe is a word now. That's the Trump effect | David Shariatmadari

Influential people have always had the power to change language. The president’s late-night typo sent the internet crazy, but will it stick around?
SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE -- 'Emma Stone' Episode 1712 -- Pictured: (l-r) Kate McKinnon as Kellyanne Conway and Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump during the 'Classroom Cold Open' sketch on December 3, 2016 -- (Photo by: Will Heath/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images)

Covfefe is the word on everyone’s lips. Or rather, it would be if people knew how to say it. You see, this latest contender for 2017’s “word of the year” (see also: ; ; ) started life on the page. A page that was refreshed millions of times as Twitter users blinked at their screens in confusion. The president of the United States had once again typoed his way into the early hours and the world’s befuddled consciousness. This time, however, unlike “unpresidented” and “honered”, the

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