We didn’t know we were missing 690 words and phrases in our vocabulary, but apparently society and the esteemed Merriam-Webster think this update was warranted. We took a look. Here are our favorites, and some we think did not need to become part of our word world.
Zhuzh
Zhuzh (noun). To make something more interesting or attractive by changing it slightly, or adding something to it, as in as in “zhuzh up your hair”. The Cambridge Dictionary added this a while ago. Frankly, we thought it was already a “real” accepted word, and we admit, we were not sure of the spelling. Now we all know.
Prosocial
Prosocial is an adjective that means something is intended to help or benefit another person or group. We like positivity, so this gets our thumbs up.
Tabata
Noun. Well, we have been doing tabata for years, and it has improved our health immensely. Tabata is a type of high-intensity interval training that consists of eight sets of exercises (such as jumping jacks) each performed at maximum intensity for 20 seconds interspersed with a brief rest of 10 seconds. Created by scientist Dr. Izumi Tabata, who created the approach for the Japanese Olympic Speed Skating team.
Nyctinasty
Nyctinasty (noun). We love this word, because we knew what it described, but did not know there was a word for it. Nyctinasty describes a plant’s movement that occurs in response to changes in light intensity. Have you ever seen a field of sunflowers turn to face the sun? Nyctinasty! Pronounced ‘nik-tə-ˌna-stē.
Rewild
Rewild (verb). To return to a more natural or wild state. Can refer to increasing biodiversity and restoring the natural processes of an ecosystem, typically by reducing or ceasing human activity, and reintroducing plant and animal species.
GOATED
Another abbreviation. It all started with GOAT, “meaning greatest of all time”. Did you know that Muhammad Ali’s wife created a company called G.O.A.T., Inc. to protect his intellectual property, since he was known for proclaiming “I am the greatest”. Now, goated is used to tell someone, or describe someone (or something), as being the greatest. Here are some examples: “she’s got goated taste”; “that chocolate cake is goated”.
Generative AI
Noun. Artificial intelligence is here to stay. This phrase references that AI can generate new content (such as images or text) in response to a submitted prompt, and by learning from a large reference database of examples.
Girlboss
Noun. Some of you might like “girlboss”, but we think it is unnecessary. On the plus side, it does say what it means, and we usually like words like that. I guess we are on the fence with this one.
ngl
This is an abbreviation. ngl means “not going to lie”. We think it is a sad state of affairs when you have to say this. It should be your state of being.
Doggo
Noun. No, just no. A dog is a dog. Not a doggo. (And a kid is a kid, not a kiddo). We find this affectation annoying. In addition, there are actual dogs, like the Dogo Argentino seen here, where the spelling is similar, and we think this word addition was unnecessary.
Smishing
Smishing (noun) the practice of sending text messages to someone in order to trick the person into revealing personal or confidential information which can then be used for criminal purposes. We are not fond of this, nor the need for a word.
Doomscroll
A verb describing excessive time online scrolling, through news or other content that makes one feel sad, anxious, angry, etc. This is the world we live in right now.
Cheffy
Being in the food world, we can assure you that even though this adjective supposedly describes the characteristics of a professional chef (as in showiness, complexity, or exoticness), that no chef we know would be flattered if they were called cheffy.
Thirst Trap
Noun. You know what this is, even if you didn’t know the term. It is a photograph (often a selfie), or video, shared for the purpose of attracting attention or desire. Think every single photo of Kim Kardashian that she has ever posted.
15 Unusual Words We Struggled To Use Naturally In A Sentence. Can You?
We are always open to increasing our vocabulary. Reading about new words and definitions is easy; using some of these words is a challenge. How many can you integrate into natural conversation? Go ahead; try it and let us know the results.
Read: 15 Unusual Words We Struggled To Use Naturally In A Sentence. Can You?
The Most Misused English Words Americans Use On A Daily Basis
We communicate in speech and writing all day, every day, but how well are we communicating? At its very core, if we use words correctly, we have a better shot at getting our point across. But we consistently use the wrong words.
Which of these words are you guilty of mixing up or getting wrong altogether?
Read: The Most Misused English Words Americans Use On A Daily Basis
12 Words Kids Mispronounce – And It’s Adorable
There is something soothing to the ear, listening to adults with lovely diction. But kids? They mispronounce words left and right – and it is so adorable, half the time we don’t want to correct them. In fact, we know adults who adopt the “new” words from their kids. My toddler daughter called noodles “noo-noos” and family members continue to use this word to this day, 38 years later. Check these out.
Read: 12 Words Kids Mispronounce – And It’s Adorable
