Merriam-Webster calls Apple fans ‘sheeple’

By

Sydney
Some Australian sheeple photographed in the wild.
Photo: Apple

It is officially proper English to call compliant people — including Apple fans — “sheeple.”

The wordsmiths at Merriam-Webster revealed “sheeple” as the newest entry in the dictionary this morning. And according to the definition, Apple fans are a prime example of sheeple in the real world.

Merriam-Webster cites the definition of “sheeple” as “people who are docile, compliant, or easily influenced: people likened to sheep.”

The dictionary says the first known use of the word occurred in 1945. But the second example underneath the definition contains a dig at dedicated Apple users.

“Apple’s debuted a battery case for the juice-sucking iPhone — an ungainly lumpy case the sheeple will happily shell out $99 for.”

Ironically, Apple introduced the Mac to the world with an iconic “1984” ad that basically called IBM users sheeple. A year later, Cupertino made a commercial called “Lemmings” that showed PC users blindly walking off a cliff.

Newsletters

Daily round-ups or a weekly refresher, straight from Cult of Mac to your inbox.

  • The Weekender

    The week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.