How did Washington Google in 2013? Mostly like everybody else, according to the search giant’s year-end “Zeitgeist” list of the most popular seaches executed by its users in DC.
Just like the rest of the United States, Google’s DC users are celebrity- and event-obsessed, hooked on information about new electronic devices, and more than a little curious about twerking. The dance manuever in which one bends at a right angle thrusts one’s hips backward into something—a wall, thin air, Robin Thicke’s trousers—topped Google’s “what is” list and also appeared on the more practical list of “how to” searches.
After twerking, Washingtonians were most curious about ricin, hopefully a harmless credit to the finale of Breaking Bad, in which Walter White offs one of his enemies with the poisonous substance. Google users here also wanted to be educated about Obamacare, Easter, and even hummus.
Nelson Mandela and Paul Walker led Google’s list of top searches around the world, but the late South African leader did not even crack any of the DC-focus lists. Walker, the star of the Fast and Furious movie series was the fifth-most searched person for Washington users. Aaron Hernandez, the former New England Patriots tight end now facing murder charges, led that list, followed by the rapper Lil’ Wayne, the late Glee actor Cory Monteith, and show-trial murder convict Jodi Arias. (Quick, someone remind us: Did Weezy do anything in 2013 besides release a lousy album?)
Google’s lists actually do contain bit of genuine local. The government shutdown was the second-most popular event and news story, trailing only the Boston Marathon. The Navy Yard shooting and sequestration also loomed large. But Washington’s sports teams aren’t so hot on Google. No local teams cracked the top 10, though the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Pittsburgh Penguins did. Perhaps things with the Nationals, Wizards, Capitals, DC United, and Redskins got so bleak this year, we just stopped searching out of sadness.
Benjamin Freed joined Washingtonian in August 2013 and covers politics, business, and media. He was previously the editor of DCist and has also written for Washington City Paper, the New York Times, the New Republic, Slate, and BuzzFeed. He lives in Adams Morgan.
Google’s Top Searches From Washington Include Government Shutdown, Paul Walker, Hummus
How did Washington Google in 2013? Mostly like everybody else, according to the search giant’s year-end “Zeitgeist” list of the most popular seaches executed by its users in DC.
Just like the rest of the United States, Google’s DC users are celebrity- and event-obsessed, hooked on information about new electronic devices, and more than a little curious about twerking. The dance manuever in which one bends at a right angle thrusts one’s hips backward into something—a wall, thin air, Robin Thicke’s trousers—topped Google’s “what is” list and also appeared on the more practical list of “how to” searches.
After twerking, Washingtonians were most curious about ricin, hopefully a harmless credit to the finale of Breaking Bad, in which Walter White offs one of his enemies with the poisonous substance. Google users here also wanted to be educated about Obamacare, Easter, and even hummus.
Nelson Mandela and Paul Walker led Google’s list of top searches around the world, but the late South African leader did not even crack any of the DC-focus lists. Walker, the star of the Fast and Furious movie series was the fifth-most searched person for Washington users. Aaron Hernandez, the former New England Patriots tight end now facing murder charges, led that list, followed by the rapper Lil’ Wayne, the late Glee actor Cory Monteith, and show-trial murder convict Jodi Arias. (Quick, someone remind us: Did Weezy do anything in 2013 besides release a lousy album?)
Google’s lists actually do contain bit of genuine local. The government shutdown was the second-most popular event and news story, trailing only the Boston Marathon. The Navy Yard shooting and sequestration also loomed large. But Washington’s sports teams aren’t so hot on Google. No local teams cracked the top 10, though the Boston Red Sox, Boston Bruins, and Pittsburgh Penguins did. Perhaps things with the Nationals, Wizards, Capitals, DC United, and Redskins got so bleak this year, we just stopped searching out of sadness.
Top trending searches
Top trending events
Top trending politics/news
Top trending people
Top Zagat searches
Top trending “What is” searches
Top trending “How to” searches
Top trending technology
Top trending films
Top trending sport
Benjamin Freed joined Washingtonian in August 2013 and covers politics, business, and media. He was previously the editor of DCist and has also written for Washington City Paper, the New York Times, the New Republic, Slate, and BuzzFeed. He lives in Adams Morgan.
Editors' Picks
Political Insiders Plotted the Most Gerrymandered District in America—and Left a Paper Trail
My Pleasant Suburb Is Going a Little Bit Crazy
Inside Jeff Bezos’s DC Life
Which Washington-Area Neighborhoods Will Boom Next?
Most Popular
Political Insiders Plotted the Most Gerrymandered District in America—and Left a Paper Trail
The 100 Very Best Restaurants in Washington
26 Wonderful Places Around DC That You May Have Never Noticed
Where to Eat Sisig, a Porky Filipino Bar Snack, Around DC
7 Bottomless Brunches That Are Totally Worth the Splurge
May 2018: Jeff Bezos in D.C.
Subscribe
Related Posts
How Can a Sunday Show Make Sense of This Insane News Cycle? Margaret Brennan Has Some Ideas
The Intercept Adds an Editor Who’ll Cover the Democrats’ Future
Farewell to The Hill’s Gloriously Ridiculous “50 Most Beautiful” List
“The McLaughlin Group” Is Back. Can It Find a Way To Be Relevant?
More from News
Political Insiders Plotted the Most Gerrymandered District in America—and Left a Paper Trail
Quinn Bradlee Announces He Is Running in 2020 (But Then Again Maybe Not)
The Prospect of HQ2 Seems to be Inspiring a Lot of Good Behavior Around Washington
Can’t Afford a Royal Wedding? Get Married for Free at This DC Bar