English words of the year 2023

If you recall, some of the words of the year 2022, chosen by the leading English language lexicographers, were ‘woman’, ‘permacrisis’, and ‘gaslighting’. (And if you don’t recall, you can refresh your memory). 

Let’s now do a quick roundup of the words of the year 2023!

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The Collins word of the previous year is ‘AI’, defined as the ‘the modelling of human mental functions by computer programs’. Regardless of how you may feel about it, the use of artificial intelligence is becoming a major issue of our times, and a development that can’t be ignored.

Some of the other words shortlisted by Collins were more interesting in my opinion, such as ‘nepo baby’ or ‘Ulez’. You can see all of them – and check their meaning – by clicking here.

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Dictionary.com has an interesting choice that has surprised me, as I haven’t actually encountered this particular meaning until now. The word is ‘hallucinate’, but not in its ordinary meaning. The particular use Dictionary.com has focused on also has to do with AI, and it’s defined as follows: ‘(of artificial intelligence) to produce false information contrary to the intent of the user and present it as if true and factual.’ 

As if AI in and of itself didn’t sound dystopian enough…

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Reflecting on AI, but also on social media, identity issues, consumer society, and a whole lot more, the Merriam Webster word of the year 2023 is an adjective: ‘authentic’. The dictionary entry for this word includes several meanings, among them ‘not false, or imitation; true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character; made or done the same way as an original.’ 

Other shortlisted words, such as ‘deepfake’ and ‘deadname’ are also worth checking out.  

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Last but not least, there’s the Oxford English Dictionary word of the year 2023: ‘rizz’. Defined as ‘style, charm, or attractiveness; the ability to attract a romantic or sexual partner’, it happens to be a shortened form of a much older (and originally classical Greek) word – charisma.

Among the OED finalists were the nouns ‘prompt’, ‘situationship’, and ‘Swiftie’. You can see the full list – with explanations and etymology notes – by visiting the following OED webpage.

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Do you have a favourite of your own? Any new – or old – words or phrases that seem to have been used a lot in 2023? Please share them in the comments section below!