is for Celebrity.

According to an online dictionary, the word celebrity has been around since the 14th century, originating in Middle Earth probably to describe Gandalf. Or maybe it’s Middle English. Who knows.

A celebrity is any person who, for whatever reason, is stalked by paparazzi. Being worthy of attention is not a requirement, although marketability is. There are levels of celebrity, those whose contributions have some positive and useful impact on the world [1] and those who are typically referred to as “train wrecks” [2].

“George Clooney is a celebrated actor. Lindsay Lohan is a celebrity.”

[1] Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart come to mind.
[2] Honey Boo Boo and her mother, Jabba the Hutt.