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Jan 01

New Words 2013

The following new words have been recognized by the Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries over the course of 2013.

 

binge-watch, v.: to watch multiple episodes of a television programme in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming.

 

bitcoin, n.: a digital currency in which transactions can be performed without the need for a central bank.

 

buzzworthy, adj.: likely to arouse the interest and attention of the public, either by media coverage or word of mouth.

 

dappy, adj.: silly, disorganized, or lacking concentration.

 

digital detox, n.: a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress and focus on social interaction in the physical world.

 

emoji, n: a small digital image or icon used to express an idea or emotion.

 

FOMO, n.: fear of missing out: anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere.

 

jorts, pl. n.: denim shorts.

 

olinguito, n.:  small furry mammal discovered (August 2013) in mountain forests in Colombia and Ecuador, the smallest member of the raccoon family. It was described as looking like a cross between a teddy bear and a domestic cat.

 

phubbing, n. :the act of snubbing someone in a social setting by looking at your phone instead of paying attention.

 

poshitis,  n.: back pain as a result of carrying a big bag fashionably, in the crook of the arm.

 

schmeat, n.: a form of meat produced synthetically from biological tissue. [ORIGIN early 21st century: perhaps influenced by the use of ‘ schm’ as a disparaging or dismissive exclamation (e.g. fancy schmancy)]

 

selfie, n: a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.

 

showrooming, n. The practice of visiting a shop or shops in order to examine a product before buying it online at a lower price.

 

TL;DR, abbrev.: ‘too long didn’t read’: used as a dismissive response to a lengthy online post, or to introduce a summary of a lengthy post.

 

twerk, v.: dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.

 

vom, v. & n: (be) sick; vomit.