I believe in words. I love exploring the obscure etymology of an idiom and pouring through a thesaurus as much as the next guy (what…you don’t??). Yet I also know – and love — that language is a fluid thing which moves and grows as human consciousness does.

The 2016 lists of new words inducted into Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary and Oxford Dictionary are out, and here are some of my faves from each:  

Listicle — an article in a magazine, newspaper, or especially on a website that is presented in the form of a list. It’s come under criticism as a kind of cheap content-creation. (Make sure YOUR listicles bring real value to your people!!)

Mx. — gender-neutral title of courtesy, for those who don’t care for options like Mr. or Mrs. (Love the choice!)

Wacky tobacky — marijuana, reflecting the hot political issue of legalizing marijuana. (We were saying this in the 70’s – just made it official now?)

Compassion fatigue — apathy or indifference toward the suffering of others as the result of overexposure to tragic news stories and images and the subsequent appeals for assistance. (Sad, sad, sad…)

Nomophobia — fear of being without access to a working cell phone. (Look for this in DSM-6, right?)

Microloan — a small loan typically for financing entrepreneurial projects by impoverished individuals and groups esp. in poor or developing regions. (Such a fan of this concept)

Yoda – A person who embodies the characteristics of Yoda, especially wisdom. (What I want to be when I grow up)

And Merriam-Webster’s ‘Word for 2016’ is: SURREAL (No comment…)

If you’re ready to make YOUR words matter in the marketplace, let’s schedule a time to talk.