Merriam-Webster’s 2023 Word of the Year: "Authentic" + More
Buzzwords that made it to the cut.
(SPOT.ph) In an era where digital facades often overshadow reality, the quest for the genuine has never been more pronounced. This has recently been the case when Merriam-Webster recently released the most searched word on their website this year, also known as the Word of the Year.
This article delves into the words that resonated most in 2023, with "authentic" leading the charge as Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year. We'll explore the nuances of this term and other buzzwords that have captured the netizens during the last few months.
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Word of the Year + Other Buzzwords With Top Searches in 2023
Authentic
Description: It's a cocktail of being "not false or imitation: real, actual," true to one's character, and "worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to fact."
Example: The art forger's work was so authentic that it almost hung in the museum next to the originals, but the only thing he truly mastered was the art of deception.
Coronation
Description: A coronation is the act or ceremony of crowning a sovereign or a sovereign's consort. It is a formal investiture whereby the individual is officially given the authority and symbols of their high office. Coronations are often accompanied by pomp, pageantry, and elaborate rituals.
Example: The coronation of the new queen was a grand affair, attended by dignitaries from around the world who were all eager to witness the historic moment of her ascension to the throne.
Deepfake
Description: In a nutshell, it's AI-manipulated information used to replace a person's body or face in a photo or video, for instance. It seems to have increased queries on Merriam-Webster's website because of the emergence of a lot of apps that can easily edit your face into a photo or video of something you don't have anything to do with. Think scandals and fake news.
Example: The deepfake scandal left everyone questioning the authenticity of the video.
Doppelgänger
Description: A doppelgänger is a look-alike or double of a living person, sometimes portrayed as a harbinger of bad luck. In fiction and folklore, a doppelgänger is typically considered an omen or a supernatural phenomenon that may mean death for the person who sees their double.
Example: When Julia traveled to a new city, she was surprised to meet a stranger who was her doppelgänger.
Dystopian
Description: The word "dystopian" has transcended literature to describe real-world scenarios that mirror the grim realities of fictional worlds. It's a term that resonates in times of climate chaos and societal upheaval.
Example: The wildfires painted a dystopian landscape, reminiscent of scenes from apocalyptic novels.
EGOT
Description: "EGOT," an acronym for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, represents the zenith of entertainment accolades. It's a rare feat that signifies a multi-faceted talent in the industry.
Example: With her latest Tony win, she joined the exclusive EGOT club, a testament to her versatile brilliance.
Implode
Description: This is one of the words that may come to mind when structures or even situations start to collapse or go south. "Implode" experienced a lookup spike following the collapse of the Titan submersible, a metaphor for situations that fall apart from within. It evokes the image of structures and scenarios that self-destruct under pressure.
Example: After the scandal, the company's reputation imploded, leaving nothing but rubble.
Indict
Description: The term "indict" found its way into the public lexicon as high-profile cases brought the word to the forefront of legal discussions. It's a term that underscores the gravity of facing charges.
Example: The indictment brought the case into the national spotlight, with everyone awaiting the trial's outcome.
Rizz
Description: The slang term "rizz" sashayed into the lexicon, representing "romantic appeal or charm," a shorthand for charisma that took the internet by storm. It's the secret sauce of smooth talkers and those who are in pursuit while in the dating game.
Example: When she caught his eye from across the room, there was an undeniable rizz in the way they smiled at each other, hinting at the beginning of a playful flirtation.
X
Description: "X" gained attention when Elon Musk rebranded Twitter, symbolizing a shift towards a new identity or concept.
Example: The company underwent a transformation, and just like that, X became the symbol of its rebirth.
2022 Word of the Year
Gaslighting
Description: "Gaslighting," 2022's word of the year, continues to be relevant as it describes the act of manipulating someone into questioning their reality. It's a psychological ploy that's meant for the victim to doubt themselves even if they know they're telling the truth, for example.
Example: Her constant gaslighting left him doubting his own memory of events.