Oxford University Press has unveiled its highly anticipated shortlist for the 2024 Word of the Year. A yearly tradition, the selection process invites the public to weigh in on which term best encapsulates the zeitgeist of the past year. This year's contenders are intriguing, reflecting shifts in culture, language, and even technology. With terms like "demure," "lore," "slop," and "romantasy" taking center stage, voters now have the chance to influence which word will be crowned.
Every year, the lexicographers of Oxford English Dictionary conduct thorough analyses of language trends, exploring how words evolve and how new ones emerge. According to Oxford, the goal is to summarize words and expressions reflective of our world over the past twelve months. “We analyze data and trends to identify new and growing words,” they stated. This includes reviewing suggestions from the public and examining pivotal moments throughout the year for guidance.
Last year, the word “rizz”—popularized by Generation Z to describe charm or charisma—won the title, beating out phrases like "situationship" and "prompt." It seems the competition is just as fierce this year, with six candidates battling it out for the top spot. The lucky word will be decided by public vote, and every voice counts.
The process of selecting the Word of the Year isn’t random; it’s tied closely to notable societal trends. Each word on the shortlist has seen significant upticks in usage this year. For example, "demure" is defined as being reserved, modest, or restrained, which has gained traction partly due to viral moments on TikTok. Notably, influencer Jools Lebron popularized the term with her viral phrase "very demure, very mindful,” which many picked up, rapidly increasing its visibility on social media platforms.
Then there's "lore," which describes the body of facts and stories surrounding someone or something. This term has seen its usage burgeon as discussions about celebrities and their narratives have flooded social media, fueled by newly popularized fandom cultures.
Transitioning from leisure to digital, the term “brain rot” refers to the perceived decline of mental acuity attributed to the overwhelming consumption of trivial online content. It's become synonymous with the feelings many social media users experience when bombarded with low-quality media.
Dynamic pricing—a practice where prices fluctuate based on market demand—has also made the cut this year. While it’s not new, the scrutiny it has faced, particularly concerning concert tickets, has thrust it back to the forefront of public conversation. Many have found themselves shocked at the staggering costs to see their favorite artists, sparking widespread discussions on fairness and accessibility.
Adding another layer of depth to the shortlist, we have "romantasy." This term merges elements of romance and fantasy, gained traction within the flourishing online community of BookTok, where readers share recommendations and discuss new works. The rise of romantasy reflects the escapism many seek amid tough social and economic climates.
Finally, “slop” is the buzzword related to the rise of AI-generated content, often deemed low-quality or misleading. With the increasing output of poorly made AI media, this term has surged over 300% as users grapple with the flood of misleading information online. People expressing frustrations over this ubiquitous presence have helped propel the term to popularity.
With the intense discussions these words have sparked, Oxford University Press hopes its selections will offer insight not just about language but about the cultural forces impacting everyday lives. According to Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, “Since 2004, we’ve aimed to provide a window to language and cultural change through the Oxford Word of the Year. The 2024 shortlist captures what has ignited conversations and curiosity.”
Voting for the 2024 Word of the Year is currently open and will conclude on November 28. Afterward, Oxford will engage in final analyses, weighing public opinions and corpus data before announcing the official winner on December 2. This culminates the process of capturing contemporary sentiments through language and invites everyone to be part of this linguistic celebration.
Each year, Oxford motivates people to reflect on language and its evolution, inviting them to ponder why certain terms resonate and how they mirror larger societal trends. So whether you feel strongly about one word or find it hard to choose among them, engage with this vibrant dialogue. This year depends on the public's voice!
