ClimateJuly 6, 2026

hodgepodge

/ˈhɒdʒ.pɒdʒ/

Definition

A confused, disorganized, or incongruous mixture of diverse elements.

Etymology

Originating in 15th-century Middle English as 'hotchpot', the word is derived from the Old French 'hochepot', meaning a stew or pot shake. It evolved through culinary usage to describe a miscellaneous mixture of ingredients before taking on its figurative meaning of a disorganized collection.

In the news

The author uses this term to describe the visual setup of Prime Minister Mark Carney's video, suggesting the background was an unsettling and poorly matched collection of greenery that failed to convey a serious message. It emphasizes the disconnect between the setting and the gravity of the climate policy being discussed.

Mark Carney's new climate doctrine

Read the full article ↗

Canada's National Observer

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