Should we all invent new words? The makers of the Oxford English Dictionary have announced the best examples from 2023 — but not everyone agrees with their choice.
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Got no rizz? That's a definite beige flag
Should we all invent new words? The makers of the Oxford English Dictionary have announced the best examples from 2023 - but not everyone agrees with their choice.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">What's happening? </h2>
Tom is worried about his rizz. He wants the world to see him and Megan as a couple, but they are stuck in a situationship which is as tiring as a heat dome.
On Monday the Oxford English DictionaryA book with a big list of words and their meanings. (OED) named "rizz" as its word of the year. It is believed to be a shortening of "charismaA charm or attractiveness that can inspire others. " which became hugely popular on TikTok this year.
Sometimes the word of the year is an old word which has been given a new meaning. Sometimes it is a word which has been around for a few years, but has suddenly become very popular - like "AIA computer programme that has been designed to think. ".
But the most interesting words are new inventions.
Aaround 5,400 new English words are created every year. Only about 20% of them, though, really catch on.1
Not surprisingly, many of them are invented by writers. These are known as "authorisms".
William ShakespeareAn English playwright and poet who is often called the greatest writer in the English language. came up with many brilliant words, including "swagger" and "bedazzledTo impress or confuse someone, especially with a striking appearance. ". Meanwhile, Geoffrey ChaucerSometimes referred to as the father of English poetry, he is best known for The Canterbury Tales. is responsible for "approach" and "universeEverything. Including all of time and space and its contents. ".
Should we all invent new words?
Yes! The English language changes all the time. New words help us to say new things and share new ideas.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading eplus-wrapper">Find out more </h2>
No! We already have all the words we need - in fact, there are words that you will go your entire life without hearing or needing.
Dictionary - A book with a big list of words and their meanings.
Charisma - A charm or attractiveness that can inspire others.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.
William Shakespeare - An English playwright and poet who is often called the greatest writer in the English language.
Bedazzled - To impress or confuse someone, especially with a striking appearance.
Geoffrey Chaucer - Sometimes referred to as the father of English poetry, he is best known for The Canterbury Tales.
Universe - Everything. Including all of time and space and its contents.
Got no rizz? That’s a definite beige flag
Dynamic dictionary: English has more than one million words and is growing all the time. Glossary
Dictionary - A book with a big list of words and their meanings.
Charisma - A charm or attractiveness that can inspire others.
AI - A computer programme that has been designed to think.
William Shakespeare - An English playwright and poet who is often called the greatest writer in the English language.
Bedazzled - To impress or confuse someone, especially with a striking appearance.
Geoffrey Chaucer - Sometimes referred to as the father of English poetry, he is best known for The Canterbury Tales.
Universe - Everything. Including all of time and space and its contents.