0

I know that a lot of people use the word "Einstein" to convey someone as a genius, but I was wondering if Einstein, as a verb, is an official term.

Thursagen
  • 41,919
Phonics The Hedgehog
  • 990
  • In the sense that "he's such an Einstein!" or "he Einsteined that physics exam!"? –  Aug 05 '11 at 02:02
  • Also, assuming a word is an "official term" if it's in the dictionary, then Einstein is not a verb. –  Aug 05 '11 at 02:08
  • Chaos, seeing as several of your most recent questions have been closed, I strongly suggest that you do even a quick internet search before posting. –  Aug 05 '11 at 02:13
  • It's worth noting that when we do call someone "Einstein," very often we're being sarcastic. For example, if someone answers a question incorrectly at school, another student might say, "Nice job, Einstein," in a sarcastic tone of voice. – Nicholas Aug 05 '11 at 02:48
  • The question is already dead, but... I think it was referring to usage of "Einstein" like "MacGyver." – dave Aug 05 '11 at 04:10
  • @Dave: But to "Einstein something" isn't officially accepted, anyway –  Aug 05 '11 at 04:17
  • @simchona - "To Einstein" is not an officially or unofficially accepted verb. I've never heard it used, possibly due it its sarcastic usage as a noun. My comment was simply to address the preceding comments dealing with Einstein as a noun, rather than a verb (as requested). – dave Aug 05 '11 at 04:29
  • There is no word in the English language that cannot be verbed. – GEdgar Aug 05 '11 at 14:29

1 Answers1

3

It's not an official word in dictionaries unless (in lowercase) as a unit of radiant energy. I've very infrequently heard it used informally to mean genius, but it's not officially recognized.

Though I did find one thing interesting about this - I googled for "einsteined" (as a verb), and the Urban Dictionary has an interesting definition:

Verb. the act of being called out on acting or doing something lame/dumb.

Guy #1: OK, I'm going to go home and watch a movie with my mom. See all you later!

Guy #2: Wow, you watch movies with your mom? That's so lame.

Guy #3: (to Guy#1)You just got einsteined, man.

I've never seen/heard this, but it just might be best to keep in mind in case you ever decide to use it.

Community
  • 1
Daniel
  • 57,547