In an ever-evolving linguistic landscape, Dictionary.com’s recent update introduces over 1,700 new and revised definitions, encapsulating the zeitgeist of 2024. With selections like “Barbiecore,” “bed rotting,” and “greedflation,” the dictionary mirrors shifts in technology, pop culture, and socio-economic concerns.
These additions highlight the fluid nature of language, reflecting societal anxieties, environmental challenges, and the rapid pace of innovation. The lexicography team’s effort to capture the nuances of contemporary English showcases the creativity and adaptability of language users.
Here are some of the entries:
- Barbiecore: A trend inspired by the iconic doll’s wardrobe, characterized by an abundance of pink and playful fashion and decor choices.
- Bed Rotting: The act of spending extended periods in bed, often engaging with digital devices or snacks, as a form of escapism from stress or physical activity.
- Mid: A term used to describe something that is average, not particularly impressive, or somewhat disappointing.
- Girl Dinner: A simple, often visually appealing assortment of light snacks—like fruits, cheeses, and cold cuts—considered enough for a casual single meal.
- Slow Fashion: A consumer and production philosophy that prioritizes sustainability in clothing, focusing on quality and longevity of garments, as well as reducing new clothing consumption.
- Climate Breakdown: The severe and potentially irreversible impacts on the climate caused by global warming and environmental degradation.
- Range Anxiety: The worry that an electric vehicle will not have enough battery life to reach a destination or a charging station.
- Sound Bath: A therapeutic session of listening to harmonic sounds produced by instruments like singing bowls and chimes, believed to promote mental and physical healing.
- Keto Flu: The uncomfortable symptoms, such as fatigue and headaches, experienced by some individuals when beginning a ketogenic diet, as the body adjusts to burning fat for energy.
- Energy Poverty: The condition of having insufficient access to essential energy services, including heating, lighting, and cooking facilities.
- Greedflation: An increase in prices or rents driven not by natural market forces but by deliberate actions from corporations or landlords to boost already substantial profits.
As society grapples with climate change, technological advancements, and evolving social norms, Dictionary.com’s update serves as a linguistic snapshot of the current era, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between language, culture, and identity.
So…:
Do the new entries inspire you, or do they support the innovations you are developing?
Source:
washingtonpost.com, openai.com