Hundreds of new words are added to the dictionary each year, and it often takes months of consideration to decide which ones. But when the pandemic began in 2020, many words we’d never heard of suddenly became part of our day-to-day vocabulary – think words like “furlough”, “stay at home order”, and COVID-19 (which was only invented in February 2020). With this, dictionaries raced to add new entries, and helped us to define our “new normal”. So, what are some of the words that got added last year? Let’s explore 10 new words you’ll need:
1. Adulting
Definition: The action of becoming or acting like an adult
In December 2020, the Oxford English Dictionary added the word “adulting.” It’s often used by young people when they talk about doing tasks that are essential to every-day life – like cooking meals, buying insurance, or paying taxes.
How to use it: My roommates and I are adulting all the time. We clean the whole house every Saturday!
2. Awe walk
Definition: Taking a walk outside and making an effort to look at the things around you
“Awe walk” hasn’t been added to the Cambridge Dictionary yet – but they have noticed it’s been used quite a bit. The word “awe” means a feeling of respect. So when someone says they will take an awe walk, it means they’ll notice – and feel grateful for – all the small things around them.
The word was actually coined by the authors of a psychological study, which found older people who took awe walks felt more positive and less stressed over time.
How to use it: Today on our awe walk we noticed a tree we’d never seen before.
3. Contactless
Definition: not having to physically touch or interact with people, or relating to a technological system for payments, where information is transmitted over short distances without physical contact
“Contactless” delivery became a popular option for shoppers during the pandemic. People who choose contactless delivery get their groceries or food delivered to the doorsteps, but don’t have to go out to receive them. Merriam-Webster added the word to their dictionary in April, right at the beginning of the pandemic. Contactless is also referred to when talking about contactless payment technology.
How to use it: Our family started to shop at a new grocery store, because we wanted the option to have contactless delivery.
The limit on contactless payments has increased.
4. Doomscrolling
Definition: the action of constantly scrolling through and reading depressing news on a news site or on social media, especially on a phone
Dictionary.com added “doomscrolling” in summer 2020. And, we’ve all done it. Doomscrolling is when you become obsessed with staying up to date with bad news. It’s a combination of the noun “doom” and verb “scroll” – and was made popular by the journalist Karen Ho last year.
How to use it: I was doomscrolling on Twitter today while reading about Covid-19 cases. I think it’s why I feel so anxious now.
5. PPE
Definition: an abbreviation for personal protective equipment
Many of us first heard the word “PPE” at the beginning of the pandemic, and the word was added by Merriam-Webster last April. PPE is the abbreviation of personal protective equipment. This is the clothing people wear to protect themselves from danger. Masks, gloves, face shields, and goggles are all examples of PPE.
How to use it: Many healthcare professionals and essential workers did not have access to PPE at the beginning of the pandemic.
6. Quarenteen
Definition: a teenager during the COVID-19 pandemic
Do you know a “quarenteen?” It’s another word that’s been observed by Cambridge Dictionary – but hasn’t been added quite yet. If it is added, quarenteen will be a homophone for the word “quarantine.” It’ll also be a compound noun of “quarantine” and “teenager.”
How to use it: My sister was a quarenteen and spent a lot of time on TikTok.
7. Thirsty
Definition: Having a need for attention or approval
But doesn’t thirsty mean needing to drink? Well, Merriam-Webster added a new definition of the word last year. “Thirsty” means having a strong desire for attention – especially on social media. Thirsty is informal, and it’s mostly used by young people.
How to use it: My brother is thirsty. He posts so many photos of our dog Jellybean on Instagram because he wants her to be a dog model.
8. Truthiness
Definition: something that seems true but isn’t backed up by evidence
The word “truthiness” became popular after American comedian Stephen Colbert talked about it on his show The Colbert Report back in 2005. It was meant to be a joke, but many dictionaries have now included the word – including Merriam-Webster. With so much disinformation going around right now, we think it’s a great word for today's world.
How to use it: In this class, you can’t speak truthiness and expect to get away with it.
9. Unconscious bias
Definition: unconscious prejudice against people of a certain race, gender, or group
“Unconscious bias” is a negative term, which was added to the Oxford English Dictionary last year. Everyone has unconscious beliefs about other groups, and these beliefs can cause them to discriminate against others. There is also conscious bias. When people are consciously biased, their discrimination is intentional.
How to use it: In this day and age, I hope more workplaces will address their conscious and unconscious bias.
10. WFH
Definition: An abbreviation for work (or working) from home
The word “WFH” was added to Merriam-Webster in April 2020 when many people were WFH! This is an important word to know if you're part of an English-speaking workplace.
How to use it: My co-workers say they’re WFH on Slack everyday.
So, what’s your favorite new word? We recommend keeping up on all the new words added to dictionaries throughout the year – it’s a great way to expand your vocab!
For more English-learning resources, don’t forget to check out our articles and click on the 'Test tips & advice' filter.
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