Recently I read about different words added to Merriam-Webster’s English dictionary this year in September – a total of 370 new words. Several sounded familiar, but some were as foreign as a new language. So, just for fun, I will list a few of the words below and add their definition if I think you need clarification.
Technology-related terms
- Dumbphone
- Video doorbell
- Microgrid
- Use case
- Supply chain
- Greenwash – intended to make something appear more environmentally friendly.
Virtual World
- Metaverse
- Laggy – delayed or slow response
- Sponcon – content posted by an influencer on social media which looks like a typical post but which poster has been paid to advertise a product or service.
- Virtue signaling
Natural World
- Dawn chorus – wild birds singing that follow the sunrise
- Atmospheric river
- Surface wave
- Magnet fishing
- Free dive
- Mud season
Out of this world
- Space force
- Terraform – transforms a planet, moon, etc., so it is suitable for supporting human life.
Informal language or slang
- Yeet – used to express surprise, approval, or excited enthusiasm
- Janky –the poor quality or not functioning properly or adequately.
- Sus – suspect or suspicious
- Adorkable
- Baller
- ICYMI – in case you missed it
- FWIW – for what it’s worth
- MacGyver
Working, Banking, and Money
- Gift economy
- Shrinkflation
- Unbanked
- Underbanked
- Altcoin
You are probably asking how it is determined that these words will be added to the English dictionary. The answer is that when many people use a word in the same way over a long enough time, that word becomes eligible for inclusion.
But Merriam-Webster’s 2022 Word of the Year is . . . Gaslighting, defined as “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone, especially for one’s own advantage.” As we live in this age of “fake news” and “conspiracy theories,” gaslighting has emerged as a word for the times.
I don’t know if the new words interest you, but I thought a change of pace would be fun, considering the stressful month most incur in December. I have two birthdays, an anniversary, and holiday parties to celebrate this month. I love celebrations, but often we put undue stress on ourselves and family to make the events perfect.
Words we use can be helpful or hurtful. We need to think about our words before we say them – like a checklist.
- Will these words hurt someone’s feelings?
- Am I expressing feelings that no one wants to hear?
- Will I need to apologize for saying these words?
My mother used to instruct me – If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything!
I hope December finds you in the holiday spirit, not overcommitting to all the festivities. Stay safe, enjoying your family and friends.
All my best,
Julie
Throw kindness around like confetti