blogger
BLOG-er
/ˈblɒɡər/
A person who writes for and maintains a blog.
Implies a digital content creator who typically publishes on a personal website or platform, often with a more informal, opinionated, or niche focus than traditional journalism.
The story behind the word. The word 'blog' is a shortened form of 'weblog', which was coined in 1997 by Jorn Barger. He used 'weblog' to describe his practice of 'logging the web' as he surfed, essentially creating a log of his web activities. Peter Merholz then jokingly broke 'weblog' into 'we blog' in 1999, and the shorter form 'blog' quickly caught on, leading to 'blogger' for the person who creates them.
Word relationships
- vlogger: Someone who creates video content for a blog or platform, rather than written content.
- content creator: Broader term, encompassing various forms of digital content, not just written blog posts.
Commonly confused with
- journalist: While some bloggers engage in journalism, 'blogger' generally refers to someone writing for a personal online platform, often with less formal editorial oversight and a more personal voice, compared to a 'journalist' who typically works for news organizations and adheres to stricter reporting standards.
Word family
- blog (n): A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
- blogging (n): The activity of writing for and maintaining a blog.
Collocations
- travel blogger
- fashion blogger
- food blogger
- mommy blogger
- successful blogger
Example sentences
- "The travel blogger documented her adventures across Southeast Asia, sharing tips and stunning photos." Describing a modern profession.
- "He started as a hobby blogger, but his insights on sustainable living quickly gained a large following." Referring to a specific individual.
- "Many fashion bloggers influence consumer trends with their reviews and style guides." A general statement about the role.
Memory hook
Think of someone writing a 'log' of their thoughts and experiences on the 'web'. Web Log
When not to use
Do not use 'blogger' for someone who writes exclusively for print publications or formal academic papers.
Fun facts
- The first known blog, 'Links.net', was created by Justin Hall in 1994, predating the term 'weblog'.
Related words
Explore more words
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