Bhubaneswar: Often words are morphed, merged or muddled for the lingo to evolve in accordance with the trends adopted or circulated by the Gen-Z. Particularly for English, be it the WhatsApp abbreviations or words with modified sounds, the twist and turns of the mainstream informal lingo is something that we ought to accept and acknowledge.
Here are a few GenZ words that went viral in 2024:
Brain Rot: In 2024, Oxford University Press’ official Word of the Year is “brain rot.” It means a deterioration of the mind due to over-consuming “trivial” content online. It refers to how we spend our days scrolling past videos of vigorous dancing and Insta celebrity feeds.
“Brain rot” has been named Oxford University 2024 word of the year pic.twitter.com/ixHX1SMp8r
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) December 2, 2024
Demure: It became popular as a result of a viral video by TikTokker Jools Lebron. It was also declared as Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year. According to reports, this word saw a 1,200% spike in online usage between January and August of 2024. This term refers to being modest or reserved. It means to appear sophisticated or refined, according to Dictionary.com.
Which #word defined your 2024? Share your personal Word of the Year below! 👇⠀
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Each year, our lexicographers identify words that make an impact on our conversations. 🗣️ In 2024, one word stood out: #Demure! 👑 Quiet, understated, yet undeniably powerful—this word struck a… pic.twitter.com/fo0pmjNNh2— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) December 28, 2024
Brat: This was named as the Word of the Year by Collins Dictionary. It has been described as a buzzy term but also “a cultural phenomenon” and “way of life” as demonstrated by “brat summer.” The brat summer trend is inspired by British singer Charli XCX’s hit album “Brat,” which was released on June 7. Thus, this word is used as an adjective. To be brat, means not to be entitled nor spoiled. Rather, it is used as a compliment, as described by Collins Dictionary. It means “a confident, independent and hedonistic attitude.”
love u billieeeeee and hbd!!! <3 pic.twitter.com/5fxuJmEmKG
— Charli (@charli_xcx) December 18, 2024
Ohio: It means to say something decidedly uncool.
The ick: It refers to being put off by someone, who does something cringe-worthy.
Let them cook: The Gen Z was hooked on this word in 2024. It is used as a way to say, “let them do their thing.”
“BFR” or “BFFR”: It is an acronym for “be for real” or “be f–king for real.” Its usage spiked especially on TikTok, according to the Daily Mail.
I need to stop using TikTok lingo in business spaces. BFFR, Costa Rica, No Wahallarddd, no mercy for money… they’re always quick on the tongue 🫠 pic.twitter.com/jj7FeIRvrs
— SARAH (@TheMurungiSarah) January 24, 2023
Era: Remember Taylor Swift and her Eras Tour? Many associate it with specific periods of their life with the messages and themes of her album. It is quite cool to say that you’re in an ‘era’ of your life, meaning a distinct time in your life. “The basic principle of “era” is that it is memorable and important in your life. If you’re infatuated with a crush, you could call it your “lover era.” Or if you can’t stop collecting trinkets, you might be in your “cluster era,” explained the USA Today. For instance, you can be addicted to playing any game online and say: ‘I can’t help playing Pokemon, I am in the gamer era of my life.’
