Neologisms

A society in which spontaneous social interaction is increasingly rare because everyday tasks are handled digitally without human contact. A Dutch neologism: zelfscan (‘self-scan’, as in self-service checkout) + samenleving (‘society’). Source: [Read More ...]

A humorous name for a festive event around Easter, typically featuring egg-themed games, decorations, and activities. Source: https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/eggstravaganza.

A state of constant, ongoing crisis across multiple sectors (e.g., environment, health, economy). A Danish neologism: perma (‘permanent’) + krise (‘crisis’). Source: https://noid.dsn.dk/ordbog/permakrise/.

An instance of removing unnecessary items from an untidy, cramped, or overcrowded place. Source: https://www.oed.com/dictionary/declutter_n.

Tourist activities that are designed to take place at night. Source: https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2025/02/17/new-words-17-february-2025/.

The pattern in which online products and services decline in quality over time. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enshittification.

Internet content deemed to be of low quality or value, or the supposed negative psychological and cognitive effects caused by such material. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brain_rot.

A gap between generations regarding the use of emojis. A Dutch neologism: emoji + kloof ('gap', 'divide'). Source: https://ivdnt.org/actueel/woorden-van-de-week/nieuw-woord-van-de-week/emojikloof/.

In the video game environment: to lead your team to victory as the best player on the team. An Italian neologism from the English verb "to carry". Source: https://slengo.it/define/carriare.

The practice of parents, caregivers or relatives publicly sharing information about their children on social media. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sharenting.

The act of having fewer managers in a company, especially those who work in middle management roles. Source: https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/category/new-words/.

A cultural trend in which adults engage in activities traditionally considered more appropriate for children, such as playing with toys and collecting cards. Source: https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/kidulting-the-trend-becoming-popular-among-millennials-mental-health-13005172.html.

Having a flavour profile that combines sweetness and spiciness simultaneously. Source: https://ivdnt.org/actueel/woorden-van-de-week/nieuw-woord-van-de-week/swicy/.

A derogatory term describing low-quality media—including writing and images—produced using generative artificial intelligence technology. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AI_slop.

The guilt of buying new books despite having a pile of unread books at home. A German neologism: Stapel ('pile') + Schuld ('guilt') + Gefühl ('feeling'). Source: https://bookwitch.wordpress.com/2019/10/10/german-book-words/.

The anxiety or apprehension individuals feel as January approaches, often related to post-holiday blues or the anticipation of returning to regular routines. Source: https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/2019/12/30/new-words-30-december-2019/.

The stretch of days between Christmas and New Year's Day, during which altered routines and relaxed schedules result in a loss of awareness of time and dates. From Merry (associated with Christmas) [Read More ...]

The rising pressure to give increasingly expensive and extravagant gifts each year, often driven by societal or personal expectations. From gift + -flation ('inflation'). Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/dec/21/gift-inflation-love-christmas-presents-debt.

A formal, buzzword-laden communication style commonly used on LinkedIn, characterized by polished phrasing, self-promotional tone, and motivational or corporate jargon. Also LinkedIn-ese (EN) or linkedinais (FR). From LinkedIn (the professional networking platform) [Read More ...]

A teenager who is interested in green issues and takes part in activities that aim to help the environment. Source: https://dictionaryblog.cambridge.org/category/new-words/.

Morning TV shows that people watch while having breakfast. A German neologism: Frühstück ('breakfast') + Fernsehen ('television'). Source: https://www.duden.de/node/51434/revision/1307544.

Internet slang, derived from charisma, meaning style, charm, or attractiveness, especially in attracting a romantic partner. Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rizz.

A writer's fear of leaving an inspiration unused, causing a book to become overcrowded with unnecessary passages. A Dutch neologism: schrijver- ('writer') + -fomo (abbreviation for 'fear of missing out'). Provided by [Read More ...]

The practice of working remotely while on vacation or from a vacation destination. A French neologism: tra- (from travail, meaning 'work') + -(a)nces (from vacances, meaning 'vacation'). Similar to the English workation [Read More ...]

A feeling of jealousy experienced when observing others enjoying an easy, light book, while oneself is engaged with a difficult or challenging text. A German neologism: Leichtlesbuch ('light, easy-to-read book') + Eifersucht [Read More ...]