In 2024, technology is shaping our lives like never before, with Artificial Intelligence blending seamlessly into everything from work to entertainment. On social media platforms like TikTok and Threads, trends move faster than ever, creating a shared pop culture that feels genuinely global. AI isn’t just a tool anymore—it’s a creative partner, powering everything from personalized content to significant business, economic, and even healthcare breakthroughs.

 

Alongside all this excitement, 2024 has made us wiser and more skeptical, reflecting on big questions about ethics, authenticity, and staying human in a data-reliant, trend-driven world.

 

 

The Nominees

 

Yearly, Oxford University invites language enthusiasts, experts, and the public to participate in nominating and voting for a word that encapsulates the spirit and themes of the preceding twelve months. These words are trendy catchphrases and windows into significant cultural, political, and social shifts. From terms that emerge from viral trends to those born out of global challenges, each nominated word provides insight into people’s collective mindset and experiences worldwide.

 

Down to six, the process of selecting this prestigious honor involves meticulous research and analysis by lexicographers who sift through vast amounts of data—from everyday conversations to online discussions. They consider factors such as frequency of use, cultural impact, and relevance. The shortlist then goes public, allowing everyone to vote and have their say in defining the year’s essence.

CLICK: Cast your vote here! (Voting is open until November 28, 2024)

 

 

If there’s a common denominator among these nominated words, you can point out how they are associated with the context of data, authentic information, trends, fantasy, and AI. 

 

So, let’s define what they mean today, shall we?:

 

 

• Brain Rot (n.) (brayn·rot)

Describes the decline in mental sharpness from consuming trivial online content, highlighting concerns about digital media’s impact on cognition.

 

 

• Demure (adj.) (duh·myuor)

A harmless catchphrase popularized by Jools Lebron on TikTok, describing her reserved and modest work outfit and makeup as “very demure, very mindful.”

 

 

• Dynamic Pricing (n.) (dai·na·muhk)

A pricing strategy that relies on data-driven algorithms and technology, where prices change with market demand, showing how businesses adapt to consumer trends.

 

 

• Lore (n.) (lor)

A collection of facts and stories essential for understanding a valuable context, history, and tradition that are orally passed down among culture members.

 

 

• Romantasy (n.) (row·man·tuh·see)

A genre that blends romance and fantasy, offering emotional narratives in magical settings—a delightful escape for fans of both genres.

 

 

• Slop (n.) (slop)

AI-generated content shared online that’s often criticized for being low-quality and inauthentic, underscoring challenges in digital content quality.

 

 

The Previous Winners:

 

2023: Rizz

Evolving at the speed of social media, capturing the essence of charisma in just one word can be challenging. Yet, “rizz” has done that, earning its place as the 2023 Oxford Word of the Year. 

 

“Rizz” is a slang term for someone’s charisma or charm, especially in social or flirting contexts. It refers to the ability to attract others and became popular on platforms like TikTok and Twitter.

 

2022: Goblin Mode

Captures unapologetic self-indulgence and laziness, challenging societal norms—a love and controversial term

 

2021: Vax

Symbolizes the global focus on COVID-19 vaccinations, underscoring health efforts during crisis

 

2020: Words of an Unprecedented Year

“Pandemic” and “lockdown” define the global crisis and our shared experiences

 

2019: Climate Emergency

Signaled urgent action against climate change, reflecting worldwide environmental concerns

 

2018: Toxic

Addressed widespread issues from chemicals to relationships, emphasizing the need for a healthier ecological environment

 

2017: Youthquake

Celebrated youth-driven cultural and social changes, showcasing their powerful influence globally

 

2016: Post-truth

Emphasized the rise of misinformation in an era where emotions often overshadow facts

 

Whether it’s a term born from a viral trend or one carving its place in the global dialogue, each entry tells a story about who we are and where we’re headed. Remember that your voice and choices shape these dynamic shifts as language evolves. So embrace the power of words and see which emerges as the iconic snapshot of our times!