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Irish people will be very familiar with Collins Dictionary's word of the year for 2016

Collins Dictionary has named 'Brexit' its word of the year for 2016. Use of the term, which refer...
Newstalk
Newstalk

09.00 3 Nov 2016


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Irish people will be very fami...

Irish people will be very familiar with Collins Dictionary's word of the year for 2016

Newstalk
Newstalk

09.00 3 Nov 2016


Share this article


Collins Dictionary has named 'Brexit' its word of the year for 2016.

Use of the term, which refers to the UK leaving the EU, has gone up 3,400% this year.

The book says it's arguably politics' most important contribution to the English language in over 40 years - since the Watergate scandal gave rise to the use of "gate."

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Collins added that the phrase is "proving even more useful and adaptable" than 'gate.'

Here are the other front runners:

Hygge: A concept, originating in Denmark, of creating cosy and convivial atmospheres that promote well-being (think fluffy socks and cosy fires)

Mic drop: A theatrical gesture in which a person drops (or imitates the action of dropping) a hand-held microphone to the ground as the finale to a speech or performance

Trumpism: (1) the policies advocated by the US politician Donald Trump, especially those involving a rejection of the current political establishment and the vigorous pursuit of American national interests (2) a controversial or outrageous statement attributed to Donald Trump

To throw shade: To make a public show of contempt for someone or something, often in a subtle or non-verbal manner

Sharenting: The habitual use of social media to share news, images, etc of one’s children

Snowflake generation: The young adults of the 2010s, viewed as being less resilient and more prone to taking offence than previous generations

Dude food: Junk food such as hot dogs, burgers, etc considered particularly appealing to men

Uberization: The adoption of a business model in which services are offered on demand through direct contact between a customer and supplier, usually via mobile technology

JOMO: Joy of missing out: pleasure gained from enjoying one’s current activities without worrying that other people are having more fun


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