Neologism of the Day: dysinfectant

Meaning: The prefix “dys” adds an extra helping of unpleasantness to the idea of disinfectant. Now with bonus ill-meaning, dysinfectant has multiple readings, but in this instance refers to influences or impulses passing from one person to another that may be doubly counterintuitive in the greater scheme of things.

On CORONACAST this morning I listened with alarm as Gurus Norman and Teagan dug into the phenomenon of COVID test-refusillage that is apparently rabid/rampant in parts of Melbourne. I shall resist inflammatory words like ‘epidemic’. And, I promise you, I had not jumped to any conclusions in advance of hearing their podcast. Even so, you could have knocked me down with a feather at the big reveal. COVID-conspiracy theories, it would seem, are at the root of this resistance for many, as well as suspicion of door-by-door-knocking personnel, who are not able to answer some of the trickier questions that people pose on the fly.

I don’t propose to add to things with further dysinformation. I don’t know where these furphies spring from, nor what is fanning the spread. I do feel increasing anxiety at the idea that dysinfectants like these are going to make it harder for medical authorities to regain control of this slippery surging little coronafucker. It’s wily enough, it seems to me, without humans helping it along with myths and maledictions.

Strange tymes, folks? What’s this photo got to do with any of it? Not much except that my daily disinfectant regimen includes at least two shots of a caffeinating substance upon rising, and at least two of something vinous before bed.

Good night to you.