Optics????

[cee-dee]

What does the word "optics" mean to you?

To me, they mean the row of bottles that dispense a measure of a drink in bars or something to do with lenses and light.

This morning on the BBC I heard someone using the word "optics" to describe the meanings and actions of someone. Eh? Wossat? who dreamed up this meaning of the word?

[1956glyn]

I have never heard that word used in that context ........

noun

noun: optics

1. 1.

   the scientific study of sight and the behaviour of light, or the properties of transmission and deflection of other forms of radiation.
2. 2.

   North American

   (typically in a political context) the way in which an event or course of action is perceived by the public.

   "the issue itself is secondary to the optics of the Democrats opposing this administration in a high-profile way"

[right-then-petal]

I Only Notice When There Empty

[theelench]

Yes, the first time I recall it being used as in your post "2. 2" was in "Designated Survivor" on Netflix.

The BBC heaps shame on itself every time it apes an ABC.