Among the words–“awesome” was noted earlier–that have undergone devaluation in the culture is icon. Remember when it meant an image–ranging from the sacred and historic to ubiquitous fame. From the Taj Mahal to America’s Founding Fathers.
Just read in the Tampa Bay Times of the death of Pete Burns. I had no clue. I read on. He was the “iconic frontman” of Dead or Alive. Now I know, even if I’m still an alien in my own pop culture.