The Words of the Year 2024: A Reflection of Society
Introduction
If we were to encapsulate the essence of 2024 in a single word, it would be the concept of the gradual decline of a product or service online: enshittification. This term, coined by the Macquarie Dictionary as its word of the year, resonates with the collective sentiment of many individuals about the current state of the world and various aspects of our lives.
As the year draws to a close, dictionaries around the world are unveiling their chosen words that best define the trends and events of 2024. Each word offers a unique perspective on the societal shifts and challenges faced by communities globally.
The Words of the Year
Macquarie Dictionary: Enshittification
The Macquarie Dictionary’s selection of “enshittification” as the word of the year reflects a poignant commentary on the deterioration of services in the digital realm. This term encapsulates the frustrations and disillusionment experienced by many individuals in today’s fast-paced and constantly evolving online landscape.
Dictionary.com: Demure
On the other hand, Dictionary.com opted for the word “demure,” highlighting a shift towards modesty and restraint in behavior and fashion trends. This choice signifies a cultural movement towards subtlety and understated elegance.
Collins Dictionary: Brat
Meanwhile, the Collins Dictionary chose “brat” as its word of the year, emphasizing a growing recognition of disruptive and entitled behavior in society. This selection sheds light on the challenges of parenting and social interactions in contemporary times.
Australian National Dictionary Centre (ANDC): Colesworth
The ANDC’s pick of “Colesworth” as the word of the year reflects concerns about the dominance of Australia’s two largest supermarkets, Coles and Woolworths. This term symbolizes the public’s skepticism towards the duopoly and its impact on consumer choices and affordability.
Expert Insights
David Astle, a renowned linguist and word enthusiast, praised the selection of “strollout” as a defining word of 2024. He emphasized how this term encapsulates the challenging experiences of the COVID-19 lockdown and serves as a poignant reminder of the collective struggles faced during that period.
Astle further expressed his support for the choice of “enshittification” as the word of the year, emphasizing its relevance in capturing the ongoing trend of deteriorating online experiences. He highlighted the need for a term that reflects the compounding nature of this phenomenon and its impact on daily life.
Word Shortlist
In addition to the selected words of the year, Macquarie Dictionary also considered several other terms for this prestigious title:
- Fluffernutter – content considered to be low quality in terms of intellectual stimulation.
- Glow-up – improving one’s physical attractiveness as much as possible.
- Rawdogging – the act of undertaking a long-haul flight with no electronic entertainment, devices, or reading material.
- Kup murri – an earth oven for pit cooking in the traditional Torres Strait Islander style.
Conclusion
The words of the year for 2024 offer a profound insight into the prevailing trends and challenges shaping our society. From the digital decay symbolized by “enshittification” to the cultural shifts embodied in “demure” and “brat,” each word reflects a distinct facet of our collective experience. As we move forward, these words serve as poignant reminders of the evolving landscape we navigate.
FAQs
What is the significance of the word “Colesworth” as the word of the year?
The selection of “Colesworth” by the Australian National Dictionary Centre highlights concerns about the dominance of major supermarkets and the implications for consumer choice and affordability.