‘Fisk’ is currently one of Dictionary.com’s most searched words thanks to an NRA video threatening The New York Times (NYT)

NRA

If you don’t know what “fisk” means, you’re not alone. Searches for the word were up 7,643% week-over-week on Friday afternoon, after the National Rifle Association (NRA) posted a video in which it threatened to “fisk” the paper of record, The New York Times.

In less than an hour, “Fisk” quickly became one of the top searches on Dictionary.com.

The video was posted by NRA TV’s Twitter account. In it, NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch says, “We’re going to fisk The New York Times,” while looking into the camera. “In short, we’re coming for you.”

Tweet Embed:
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/893230656125149185
.@DLoesch has a message for the @nytimes: “We’re coming for you.” One
non-#fakenews story is not enough. #NRA #ClenchedFistofTruth pic.twitter.com/Hm1QkJi5Tp

In conjunction with the hashtag #ClenchedFistofTruth, confusion spread through Twitter like wildfire, as many had misheard Loesch as having said “We’re going to fist The New York Times,” which was thought to be a reference to a sexual act.  

Loesch responded on Twitter with several tweets on the topic.

Tweet Embed:
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/893586422258642945
What’s more embarrassing: A hack reporter & acolytes who don’t know what “fisk” means or a hack who apparently thinks about “fisting?” Geez.Tweet Embed:
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/893593236421455873
For the people whose parents didn’t love them enough to buy them Hooked on Phonics as kids: pic.twitter.com/O0IUMx25R3Tweet Embed:
https://twitter.com/mims/statuses/893597367907307520
After maliciously lying about me using “fist” where I clearly said “fisk” (and captioned) @yashar says this. Is this a threat? https://t.co/0bAB3Z6NKE

So what does “fisk” mean?

Dictionary.com’s  first definition is for a proper noun referring to a historical figure, James Fisk: “James, 1834–72, U.S. financier and stock speculator.”

Further down, however, is the British definition, likely intended by the NRA: (slang) to refute of criticize (a journalistic article or blog) point by point.” 

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