Ok new rule, it isn't a ----gate unless there is a crime and a cover up, this is getting silly.

[Exultant Democracy]

I would say the term has jumped the shark, but that has also been all used up on GDP since inevitably both Obama and Clinton supposedly jump the shark 15 times a day here.

[The Magistrate]

1. Hear Hear, Sir!

[Jackpine Radical]

2. I dunno--I kinda use it sarcastically, myself--

like "Bittergate," etc.

Nevertheless, I basically agree that it has been taken to such lengths as to render it meaningless.

What's next, Hiccupgate?

[cliffordu]

3. Good Show, Sir!

[AZBlue]

4. Actually, the whole -gate thing is absurd. Watergate wasn't a scandal about water.

It was the name of the place that a crime occured. Nothing should be tagged as "-gate."

[Exultant Democracy]

5. You are of course right, but I accept that the ---gate thing has entered our lexicon

but I think it should be used for the right reasons. For example ValeriePlame-Gate works bitter-gate or cookie-gate or whatever is just stupid.

[AZBlue]

6. You're right - if we're going to use it, we should at least use it accurately.

Bosnia-gate is not accurate - neither is Wright-gate.