'Demure' is Dictionary.com's word of the year. If that's news to you, here's the backstory
Usage of the word soared after TikToker Jools Lebron used it in her signature catchphrase "very demure, very mindful."
word of the year
Merriam-Webster's word of the year definitely wasn't picked by AI
"Authentic" was one of this year's most looked-up words, according to the lexical leader. That speaks volumes about our quest for truth in an age of algorithms and online artifice.
Merriam-Webster's 2021 word of the year is, of course, 'vaccine'
The word "vaccine" saw a more than 600% increase in lookups this year over last. In its announcement, Merriam-Webster noted that it's come to represent much more than just medicine.
Oxford's Defining Words Of 2020: 'Blursday,' 'Systemic Racism' And Yes, 'Pandemic'
Too much happened in 2020 for Oxford Languages to choose a single word of the year. So they opted for dozens.
'Single-Use' Is The 2018 Word Of The Year, Collins Dictionary Says
Collins' annual list of "new" words are meant to highlight and acknowledge the changing culture. They are often words that have been around, but have raised their profile recently.
'Complicit' Is The Word Of The Year In 2017, Dictionary.com Says
The website defines complicit as "choosing to be involved in an illegal or questionable act, especially with others; having complicity."
Take It In: 'Vape' Is The Oxford Dictionaries Word Of The Year
The growing popularity of e-cigarettes sparked the notice of the Oxford Dictionaries, which chose "vape" as the word of the year for 2014. It beat out contenders such as "bae" and "normcore."