15 interesting neologisms of the English language

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Every year, the English language is enriched by about 1,000 new words that reflect modern realities. Lifehacker made a selection of neologisms that are firmly entrenched in the vocabulary of native English speakers.

1. To binge-watch

[bɪn (d) ʒwɒtʃ]

Probably, many are familiar with this feeling when you watch a series of episodes and cannot stop. So, the verb to binge watch means just that.

2. Cat lady

[ˈKæt ˌleɪdi]

This is the English version of our "strong and independent" woman living with 40 cats.

3. Clicktivism

[ˈKlɪktɪvɪz (ə) m]

This is a modern phenomenon, when people express political resentment on the Internet, instead of doing something in the real world.

4. Couplie

[ˈKʌpli]

This is a photo taken by a couple in love. The word is similar to the well-known "selfie", only formed from couple ("couple").

5. To drunk-dial

[ˌDrʌŋkˈdaɪəl]

Did you go over the bar a bit and decided to call someone whose number you would definitely not have dialed when sober? Well, but now you will know that in English it sounds like to drunk-dial.

6. Froyo

[ˌFrəu'jəu]

Froyo is an abbreviation for frozen yoghurt, which means frozen yogurt, a delicious treat that has gained immense popularity around the world over the past few years.

7. Gloatgram

[gləut'grɑm]

Today, almost every Instagram user wants to show off their gifts, clothing, travel, car and much more to the world. This phenomenon even got its name: gloatgram - a post that shows how well its author lives.

8. To humblebrag

[ˈHʌmblbræɡ]

It means showing off your merits, but in such a manner as if the person is complaining about them. To attract attention, of course. In colloquial Russian there is an apt word "be poor", which is close in meaning.

9. HIIT

[hɪt]

High-intensity interval training is an abbreviation for high-intensity interval training. HIIT is said to help you lose weight faster than regular cardio.

10. To mansplain

[mænˈspleɪn]

Explain something to someone in a way that makes the other person look stupid. As a rule, this verb is used when a man explains to a woman something that she has known and understood for a long time, trying to show his superiority.

11. To photobomb

[ˈFəutəubɒm]

12. Ringxiety

[rɪŋˈzaɪəti]

The word means a phenomenon when it seems as if we are hearing a telephone ringing or the sound of a message.

13. Screenager

[‘Skriːneɪdʒə]

This is a teenager who spends a lot of time in front of the screens of his gadgets. The word is derived from two others: screen and teenager. Quite a topical term.

14. Textretary

[‘Tekstrət (ə) rɪ]

The word means a person who writes a message for the one who is behind the wheel. This is a kind of driver's secretary.

15. YOLO

[‘Jəuləu]

It is an abbreviation for you only live once. Used as a call to live the way you want and do things that give pleasure.