Fun Freetime - Study reveals the most searched-for word definition in every state

 

• “Gaslighting” ranked as the most Googled word in 13 states, reflecting widespread concerns about manipulation and mental health.
• “Genocide” was the top search in 10 states, likely tied to ongoing global conflicts and humanitarian issues.
• “Empathy” came in third, with nine states searching for its meaning, showing growing interest in emotional intelligence and social connection.
• “Narcissist” and “democracy” followed, with searches suggesting increased public focus on personality disorders and political systems.

In a world where everything from personal relationships to global politics can be influenced by the words we use, it’s no surprise that many people turn to Google to understand the meaning behind the terms they hear or encounter. 

But what words are Americans Googling the most? A new study conducted by SportsMillions analyzed Google search data across all 50 states, revealing the most commonly searched word definitions.

It seems that the phenomenon of "gaslighting" is more than just a buzzword; it’s a serious concern for many. The term topped the search results in 13 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, and Illinois.

 

Gaslighting refers to the psychological manipulation where someone makes another person doubt their own reality, often leading them to question their sanity. While it’s mostly associated with toxic personal relationships, the term has gained prominence in broader contexts, including politics and corporate settings. This could be a reflection of increased awareness about manipulation and mental health, with people seeking to understand how they may be affected in both personal and public spheres.

With "genocide" ranking as the most searched word in 10 states, including Delaware, Texas, and New York, it’s clear that people are grappling with the weight of history and current global events. The term refers to the mass killing of a specific group of people, often based on ethnicity or religion. This surge in interest could be linked to ongoing humanitarian crises and increasing discussions about global conflicts, historical atrocities, and the continuing impact of genocide on modern politics.

At a time when mental health awareness and social connection are more important than ever, "empathy" has emerged as a key focus for many. The word, which refers to the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, ranked first in nine states, including Kentucky and Maryland. It’s likely that as discussions around emotional intelligence gain traction, people are looking for a better understanding of empathy and how to cultivate it. Whether in personal relationships or in the workplace, empathy plays a crucial role in building strong, supportive communities and creating better societal connections.

"Narcissist" appears to be on the minds of residents in seven states, including California, Hawaii, and Nevada. The word refers to individuals who have an excessive preoccupation with themselves and a lack of regard for others’ feelings. This surge in interest could point to a growing societal focus on personality disorders and their impact on relationships, both personal and professional. As awareness around narcissism increases, it’s likely that more people are trying to understand the traits associated with this disorder and how to navigate relationships with narcissistic individuals.

The word "democracy" topped the search rankings in four states, including Arizona, Colorado, and Washington. With ongoing debates about voting rights, government transparency, and political participation, it’s no surprise that this foundational term in political science has sparked curiosity. Whether prompted by concerns over the health of democratic systems or a desire to understand democratic principles more deeply, the rise in searches suggests that people are taking a closer look at how democracy functions in both theory and practice, especially in times of political uncertainty.

A term that often arises in business, marketing, and hobbies, "niche" refers to a specialized segment of the market or a particular area of interest. With searches topping in states like South Carolina and Utah, the word suggests that more individuals are seeking ways to carve out unique spaces for themselves, whether it’s through business ventures, hobbies, or lifestyle choices. As people look for ways to distinguish themselves in an increasingly crowded world, it makes sense that "niche" would be a term of growing importance.

Finally, "fascism" has seen a spike in searches in three states: Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota. This interest is likely tied to growing concerns about authoritarianism and extreme political ideologies. As the global political landscape grows more polarized, people are turning to Google to better understand the term and its implications for modern politics. Whether driven by historical studies or current events, the rise in searches for "fascism" suggests that many are reflecting on the potential dangers of extreme political movements in today’s society.

Here's the full ranking of the words, based on how many states they ranked first in:

Word	Meaning	No. of states it ranked first in	The state it ranked first
Gaslighting	Manipulating someone to make them doubt their reality.	13	Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.
Genocide	The deliberate killing of a large group of people, often an ethnic group.	10	Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Texas, and Vermont.
Empathy	The ability to understand and share another person's feelings.	9	Connecticut, Kentucky, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Dakota, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
Narcissist	A person with excessive self-interest and lack of empathy for others.	7	Alaska, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, and New Mexico.
Democracy	A system of government where people vote to elect leaders or decide laws.	4	Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Washington.
Niche	A specialized segment of the market or a focused interest area.	4	South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.
Fascism	A political system with dictatorial power, suppression, and nationalism.	3	Oregon, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota.

Methodology

The study analyzed the most-searched word definitions across the US. Out of these, seven words stood out. 

The study ranked the words based on how many states each ranked first in Google searches, with the words leading in the most states taking the top spot.

 

Source
Google Trends