LONDON (AP) – The public was asked to summarize 2022 in one word and chose one phrase.
The Oxford Dictionary announced Monday that “Goblin Mode” has been chosen online as the word of the year.
The term is defined as “a type of uncompromising self-righteous, lazy, sloppy, or greedy behaviour, usually in a manner that goes against societal norms and expectations.”
First seen on his Twitter in 2009, “Goblin Mode” became popular in 2022 as people around the world began to feel uneasy from pandemic lockdowns.
His Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, said:
This year’s word is intended to reflect “the spirit, mood, or occupation of the past 12 months.” For the first time this year, the winning phrase of the year, chosen by popular vote, was chosen from his three finalists, selected by the lexicographers of Oxford Languages.
The Oxford Dictionary announced Monday that “Goblin Mode” has been chosen online as the word of the year.
The term is defined as “a type of uncompromising self-righteous, lazy, sloppy, or greedy behaviour, usually in a manner that goes against societal norms and expectations.”
First seen on his Twitter in 2009, “Goblin Mode” became popular in 2022 as people around the world began to feel uneasy from pandemic lockdowns.
His Casper Grathwohl, President of Oxford Languages, said:
This year’s word is intended to reflect “the spirit, mood, or occupation of the past 12 months.” For the first time this year, the winning phrase of the year, chosen by popular vote, was chosen from his three finalists, selected by the lexicographers of Oxford Languages.
Leprechaun mode, metaverse, hashtag IStandWith. Last week, Merriam-Webster announced that his word of the year is “gaslighting.” This is a psychological manipulation designed to make a person question the validity of their thoughts.
The 2021 Oxford Word of the Year was ‘Vax’ and Merriam-Webster was ‘Vaccine’.
Despite being a little-known offline, Goblin mode was overwhelmingly popular, garnering him 93% of the over 340,000 votes.
This election is further proof that the world has been destabilized by years of pandemic turmoil and massive shifts in behavior and politics wrought by social media.
Last week, Merriam-Webster announced that his word of the year is “gaslighting.” This is a psychological manipulation designed to make a person question the validity of their thoughts.
