The annual release of Sweden's new neologisms for 2024 has highlighted how language mirrors our societal challenges, delivering words shaped by pressing issues like crime, war, and health crises. This year's word list, curated by Språkrådet and Språktidningen, consists of 32 new terms, showcasing how the tumultuous global environment has influenced the Swedish lexicon.
According to Anders Svensson, the neologism editor for Språktidningen, "Newcomers like barntorped, drakdrönare, and ankkurva are typical of a year marked by war, crime, and a harsh economic situation for households and businesses." These terms not only capture the spirit of 2024 but also resonate with the increasing discourse around topics of violence and societal unrest.
'Barntorped' refers to children who commit serious crimes on behalf of criminal gangs, reflecting the worrying trend of youth involvement in organized crime. Similarly, 'drakdrönare' denotes new types of combat drones armed with fire-launching technology, underscoring the prevalence of military terminology stemming from the Ukrainian conflict.
On the flip side, the list also includes more benign terms like 'looksmaxing,' which is used to describe the pursuit of optimizing one’s appearance through diet, exercise, or even cosmetic surgery. This highlights how societal pressures around beauty can lead to new self-identity trends. Even the more whimsical term 'umarell,' which originates from the Italian and refers to older men who watch construction sites, has found its way onto the list, adding some levity to the predominantly serious aggregation of the year.
Svensson noted, "This year's list may be the most English-inspired, 'Svengelska,' compilation ever assembled." The proliferation of English-influenced terms reflects not only the linguistic evolution but also the interconnectedness of global cultures and challenges. There's 'grön gumma,' which signifies previously non-offending women recruited by gangs, showcasing the disturbing normalization of crime as well.
The linguistic adaptation seen here mirrors the shifting dynamics of society. Sambands between the newly coined terms and evident societal distress—across health, crime, and economic hardship—reinforces how language evolves. Svensson remarked, "It's evident we're living through troubling times," encapsulating the urgency of these linguistic changes.
The neologisms of 2024 serve not only as names but as identifiers of how individuals and communities navigate contemporary realities. While new expressions like 'soft girl' reflect cultural movements toward embracing traditionally feminine and nurturing roles, terms like 'gisslandiplomati'—a method where states arbitrarily detain citizens of rival countries to leverage them for exchange—project darker realities of international relations.
Each term on this year’s list signifies more than mere vocabulary; they reflect lived experiences and, often, collective anxiety. Contrasting terms such as 'bratsommar,' denoting carefree summer living, against the backdrop of aggressive neologisms paints both sides of the human experience during tumultuous times.
Despite the committee’s diligence, not all new words will take root. Svensson notes, "Not every term will endure; barely half of those created stick around." Words such as 'swiftiepappa,' which references dads who are fans of Taylor Swift and her associated culture, may capture moments but lack lasting impact.
The creation of neologisms is symptomatic of society's reflection on itself and the challenges it perceives. Every term, from 'tryckarlägenhet', indicating hiding places for criminals, to 'vänskapsbänk', benches placed to encourage social interaction to combat mental health issues, signals how language forms part of the fabric for not only communication but also collective societal identity.
Language is powerful—it shapes thoughts, perceptions, and realities. Annual neologism lists highlight cultural evolution and societal challenges, offering insight not just for linguists but for anyone wishing to understand the human condition as expressed through language. The words born out of the experiences of 2024 remind us of the possibilities and the limitations inherent to our shared discourse.
