With each passing year, the English language evolves, incorporating new phrases and terms that capture the zeitgeist of our times. The 2018 dictionary update has been a treasure trove for linguists and casual speakers alike, as it canonizes some of the most popular slang that has been percolating through our daily conversations. From expressing famished frustration to describing the epitome of casual luxury, these recent entries highlight the dynamic and always evolving nature of our spoken and written word.
Defining “Hangry”: A Modern Blend of Hunger and Anger
Have you ever felt so hungry that you start to become irritable or angry? Theres now a word for that specific sensation: “hangry.” A clever portmanteau of hunger and anger, it perfectly captures that crankiness stemming from delayed meal times. Use cases abound in daily life just think about the last time you heard someone snap, “Sorry for being short with you; Im just hangry.” It’s a term that resonates with anyone who’s felt their stomach growl during a long meeting, underscoring the universal need for regular nourishment.
The Rise of “Bougie”: Casual Luxury Redefined
The term “bougie” has journeyed far from its origins as an abbreviation of “bourgeoisie” to epitomize an aspirational lifestyle laced with a touch of luxury. It’s commonly used to describe someone who indulges in the finer things but still stands with a foot in both the everyday and the elite world. References to “bougie” tastes might conjure images of brunching on avocado toast at a chic café or flaunting the latest designer sneakers. This term has clawed its way into the contemporary lexicon and is now officially recognized in the modern dictionary.
“Ghosting” Enters the Lexicon: The Vanishing Act of the Digital Age
The digital age has spawned dating phenomena that are unique to our time, one of which is “ghosting.” This term describes the act of suddenly and without explanation withdrawing from all communication channels, effectively disappearing like a ghost from the lives of others. It’s a concept many are unfortunately familiar with, whether they’ve been on the giving or receiving end of ghosting. Its entrance into the dictionary is a powerful testament to how online interactions are influencing our real-world language and relationships.
“Mansplain” Makes the Cut: Highlighting Condescending Explanations
Another cultural commentary captured in linguistic form is “mansplain.” This verb is now defined in the dictionary as explaining something (typically to a woman) in a manner regarded as condescending or patronizing. It’s a term that has become common in discussions about gender dynamics and has sparked broader conversations on communication styles. Examples include unsolicited explanations of simple tasks or someone detailing a subject to an expert in the field under the assumption of their ignorance solely based on their gender.
“Selfie” Evolution: The Snapshot Phenomenon Goes Official
The “selfie” has cemented itself as an enduring part of our visual language and social culture. Derived from self-portrait, this noun is used to describe a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically with a smartphone, and shared via social media. The term has even spawned variations like “group selfie” and “elfie” (a selfie of oneself in an elf costume), proving just how deeply it has infiltrated our culture. The dictionary’s nod to “selfie” acknowledges its permanence in both our vocabularies and our daily practices of digital interaction.
Embracing “Lit”: From Brightness to High Energy and Excitement
The word “lit” once solely referred to something illuminated, but in contemporary usage, it has taken on a broader meaning. It has come to signify a high-energy, exciting situation, or feeling. For example, “That concert was lit!” is an affirmation of an upbeat and thrilling experience. Its dictionary induction displays how language can shift from the literal to the metaphorical, reflecting the infectious enthusiasm of our times.
“Subtweet”: The Art of the Indirect Tweet
To “subtweet” someone is to tweet about them without mentioning their handle, often in a critical or mocking way. It’s the epitome of the passive-aggressive behavior exhibited on social media. While the handle isnt mentioned, the subtweet is usually (and ironically) quite direct in its aim, allowing in-the-know followers to connect the dots. This social media strategy has become so prevalent that its recognition in our formal lexicon is both a cultural touchstone and a call to be more straightforward in our digital communications.
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