Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 9, 2026 is "stigma." A stigma is defined as a collection of negative and frequently unjust beliefs held by a society or group about a particular subject. The word aims to challenge these preconceived notions, as demonstrated by organizations committed to addressing stigmas surrounding certain conditions. For instance, some people perceive workers of a specific generation as burned-out and only seeking a paycheck. Historically, tattoos faced societal disapproval, and even today, individuals with tattoos can encounter stigma. The etymological roots of "stigma" trace back to the Greek verb "stizein," meaning "to tattoo." This evolved into the Latin noun "stigma," signifying a "mark" or "brand." Early English usage of "stigma" referred to a literal brand left by a hot iron. In contemporary language, the "mark" is figurative. The word "stigma" most commonly denotes negative and unfair societal beliefs, such as those associated with mental illness or poverty.