Confession: I need a definition

KristysRedBarn

I swear I read a lot and try to keep up on the news, but can someone please give me the definition of the word or phrase, "social napalm".  I googled, but all I'm coming up with is that napalm is a flammable gelling agent.  I'm not understanding it in context.  I must be dense, sorry

FYI, this term was used in Jens response to a post by BPG.

TrickyLittleMinx

I just googled the word Napalm... this is what i got i dont know if this helps

Napalm:A highly flammable, viscous substance, (designed to stick to the body while burning), used in warfare to cause widespread death and destruction, especially in wooded areas; To spray or attack an area using such substance

Clerk9

I think what she was getting at was that this is one of those topics that can easily "blow up"--all sorts of people contacting you & saying who knows what.  Sort of like bringing up politics at a dinner party with strangers.  

AppleRidge

Napalm was used in Vietnam to clear cut dense forest.  In context, "social napalm" would mean that something one does has the effect of clearing out (scaring off, offending or whatever) those around her, and make her sort of a pariah or outcast.

Clerk9

BBHME:

Napalm was used in Vietnam to clear cut dense forest.  In context, "social napalm" would mean that something one does has the effect of clearing out (scaring off, offending or whatever) those around her, and make her sort of a pariah or outcast.

Or that.   

babygirlpriest

BBHME:

Napalm was used in Vietnam to clear cut dense forest.  In context, "social napalm" would mean that something one does has the effect of clearing out (scaring off, offending or whatever) those around her, and make her sort of a pariah or outcast.

DING DING!!

Or at least that's what I meant by it.

It's like you're at this social gathering. All is going along swimmingly. Then you walk in and your loss is mentioned... BAM - Social Napalm!!! People scatter. Where once a lovely, lively conversation was taking place its now just a social wasteland of you, your broken ute, and maybe one or two stragglers who didn't leave quickly enough and now stand about awkwardly wanting you to go away so they can 'be normal' again.

ColindaP

babygirlpriest:

BBHME:

Napalm was used in Vietnam to clear cut dense forest.  In context, "social napalm" would mean that something one does has the effect of clearing out (scaring off, offending or whatever) those around her, and make her sort of a pariah or outcast.

DING DING!!

Or at least that's what I meant by it.

It's like you're at this social gathering. All is going along swimmingly. Then you walk in and your loss is mentioned... BAM - Social Napalm!!! People scatter. Where once a lovely, lively conversation was taking place its now just a social wasteland of you, your broken ute, and maybe one or two stragglers who didn't leave quickly enough and now stand about awkwardly wanting you to go away so they can 'be normal' again.

And they run away screaming and covering their eyes and faces.

I love the phrase social napalm. I mean, napalm is a very nasty substance with a very icky, upsetting history. But the phrase is brilliant.

jennsadye1979

All of the above. Sorry, I was away from my desk for a while, these ladies have all explained brilliantly on my behalf.

KristysRedBarn

babygirlpriest:

BBHME:

Napalm was used in Vietnam to clear cut dense forest.  In context, "social napalm" would mean that something one does has the effect of clearing out (scaring off, offending or whatever) those around her, and make her sort of a pariah or outcast.

DING DING!!

Or at least that's what I meant by it.

It's like you're at this social gathering. All is going along swimmingly. Then you walk in and your loss is mentioned... BAM - Social Napalm!!! People scatter. Where once a lovely, lively conversation was taking place its now just a social wasteland of you, your broken ute, and maybe one or two stragglers who didn't leave quickly enough and now stand about awkwardly wanting you to go away so they can 'be normal' again.

Thank you.  This makes sense.  I'm afraid I have experienced this and sure most of you have as well.  I will try to use this phrase soon, it really is quite descriptive.