Like the word weed, with which it shares many interesting traits, junk is a matter of opinion. It is not a specific item or class of items per se. Rather it is what we call certain objects as we are on our way to root them out. Often the weeds become so interesting, or so indomitable, that we call them wildflower gardens instead.

—James B. Twitchell, Adcult: The Triumph of Advertising in American Culture