Lazy sensationalist writers are overusing and improperly applying a word that should mean something.
The phrase “meltdown” should be reserved for mental breakdowns where a person loses control of their behavior in a fit of confusion, rage or sadness. That’s what a meltdown is. It comes from the informal phrase used to refer to a nuclear power core being damaged from severe overheating, referred to as a “nuclear meltdown”. A human meltdown should be similarly explosive and a result of their core systems being overtaxed. Then it would be accurate.
Britney, courtesy Splash News
A “meltdown” is not being annoyed with an assistant and saying snippy things. It is not a misunderstanding that is handled with less patience than one might expect. It’s a flip out. A tantrum as a result of stress and anxiety. Not just a person being awkward or angry.
You would think poor Jessica Simpson was made of wax, looking at the constant headlines about her alleged “meltdowns”.
Knock it off. These aren’t meltdowns. They’re bad days. Lots of people have legit meltdowns you can point to if you’re not so lazy. Find and highlight those. Leave formerly-hot-currently-fat actresses and other celebrities whose success you’re jealous of, alone.
