Oxford word of the year 2022 to face its first public vote; check details

By Team Newsable | First Published Nov 22, 2022, 8:49 PM IST

A team of expert lexicographers have narrowed down a longlist of worthy contestants to a final choice of three words -- metaverse, #IStandWith, and goblin mode.

In what comes as a recent development, people from across the world will, for the first time, vote to choose the Oxford Word of the Year 2022, Oxford Languages has announced.

A team of expert lexicographers have narrowed down a longlist of worthy contestants to a final choice of three words -- metaverse, #IStandWith, and goblin mode. The voting, which began on November 21, will close on December 2, 2022. Last year 'Vax' was adjudged word of the year.

Tap to resize

Latest Videos

Tap to resize

Also read: From Maui to New York, 5 destinations you should visit during thanksgiving this year

In a statement, the Oxford Languages said, "2022 has been a year defined by opening back up. However, although we have finally been able to physically reunite and come together again, our world somehow feels more divided than ever."

"In recognition of this shift, we wanted to open up the final step of our Word of the Year selection process to the true arbiters of language: people around the world... For the first time in its history, the 2022 Word of the Year will be chosen by the public," the statement further said.

Also read: Imran Khan 'sold' gold medal received from India during cricketing years, claims Pak Defence Minister

The three words are each relevant to the year in a different way. In 'metaverse', there is a conceptual future brought into the vernacular in 2022. From hybrid working in virtual reality, to debates over the ethics and feasibility of an entirely online future, usage of this word quadrupled in October 2022 compared to the same period last year.

This year, '#IStandWith' has recognised activism and division. From the war in Ukraine, to the Depp v. Heard lawsuit, this 'word' coined on social media to align one's views to a cause or person can often further foster dispute (and sometimes even hate speech) in its polarising nature.

Also read: Indonesia earthquake: Rescuers dig through debris to find survivors, death toll over 160

'Goblin mode' is another relatively new concept: the idea of rejecting societal expectations put upon people, in favour of doing whatever one wants to.

Early usage dates back to 2009/10, but as the world emerges from lockdown, the phrase has been coined in rejection of returning 'back to normal' after a fake 'quote' from actress and model Julia Fox brought the term back into the mainstream.

(With inputs from PTI)

For more reliable and latest news