”The genius of democracies is seen not solely within the nice variety of new words launched however much more within the new concepts they categorical.” ~ Alexis de Tocqueville, nineteenth century French aristocrat, diplomat, political scientist, political thinker and historian
Yes, I’m leaping the gun on new words which have labored — or compelled — they’re approach into the English language once more, whether or not we wish them there or not.
It’s at all times bothered me that we generally discard completely good words within the English language, and discover new ones to switch them.
Is it for added readability, or is it laziness and mere caprice?
I’m wondering.
I used to be shopping among the words in our language which have grow to be archaic and infrequently used anymore.
Well, if you happen to learn Shakespeare or the Bible you higher be ready for a load of archaic but poetic words that pressure you to cease and suppose.
Words like afore, betwixt, behold, forsooth and hearken.
And these hardly ever used words are however a pale few.
The previous words are on the prime of my listing of words we in all probability shouldn’t have discarded, for no matter cause.
So, then there’s the underside of my listing of words. Actually they actually didn’t make my listing for my very own egocentric causes however now are fashionable new words.
Whatevs.
Now there’s a classy phrase that screams … please, shoot me now.
It’s a casual phrase meaning no matter.
Yeah, properly, so far as I’m involved … no matter.
How about sober-curious, which is a new phrase that can be utilized to explain an individual who questions their consuming habits or needs to attempt to change them due to well being or psychological causes.
Then there’s the phrase hangry, being hungry and offended on the identical time.
Now, I’ve used this phrase on this column earlier than, and I discover it a helpful addition to the English language.
Some might disagree, however that’s OK.
We don’t have to make use of the phrase, it’s simply there in case the state of affairs calls for it.
I get hangry from time to time, so I’m giving this fashionable phrase a go.
Another fashionable phrase that will get a go from me is staycation — the place you’re taking trip days from work however don’t go wherever and simply keep dwelling.
I don’t use the phrase, however it certain matches me.
I’ve had far more staycations than holidays over time, to my nice detriment.
Now, for one other fashionable phrase you’ll seemingly hear on the tube in no matter context: awesomesauce.
Put collectively the words superior and sauce and you’ll get awesomesauce, which mainly has the identical that means as superior with a pinch of much more awesomeness.
Please!!
And no, I’m not a kind of “get off of my lawn” guys both.
But — and what would life or politics be like with out the phrase “but” — then there may be the ultra-obnoxious fashionable phrase “chillax.” It’s while you mix the words chill (relaxed) and calm down — you get the verb chillax.
Gag me with a spoon.
Now, to indicate you ways widespread it has grow to be to consistently add new words to our language, Merriam-Webster added 370 new words simply in September 2022.
They have added the phrase “metaverse,” which you in all probability by now have heard a couple of occasions.
Its definition is a persistent digital atmosphere that enables entry to and interoperability of a number of particular person digital realities.
Huh?
Maybe for a couple of of you on the market, however I’ll go on this one.
Then there’s “adorkable.”
That’s somebody who’s socially awkward or quirky in a approach that’s endearing.
Uh oh, I’ve been came upon. And I believed I used to be the one one out right here.
And that will get us to Merriam-Webster’s chosen phrase of the yr for 2022: “gaslighting.”
They classify it as a phrase that means a habits that’s thoughts manipulating, grossly deceptive and downright deceitful.
Why, you ask?
Well the dictionary individuals there indicated that lookups on-line for that seemingly widespread phrase — within the universe referred to as politics — elevated by a whopping 1,740% throughout 2022 over the yr earlier than.
You merely can’t casually peruse Facebook or Twitter tweets with out being gaslighted as of late.
There’s extra crap on the market on social media than there may be substance, with this or that particular person or entity making an attempt to get you to suppose like they do.
It appeared to hit its peak due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when this or that fantification pulled us into its spider internet.
Now, don’t go searching for the phrase fantification, as a result of I simply made it up.
I are inclined to make up words sometimes, that I believe ought to be added to our language.
The phrase is squarely directed on the social media world and blogosphere, and all of the individuals on the market who dwell in their very own fantasy world and wish us to hitch them.
Thanks, however I’ll go.
Christy is news editor on the Enid News & Eagle. Visit his column weblog at www.tinyurl.com/Column-Blog.
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