Discover the New Gems of English: 2024's Latest Additions by Oxford School of English

Discover the New Gems of English: 2024's Latest Additions

-Published on 30th March 2024 by Oxford School of English-

In 2024, new words have been added to the English language. These words show how our experiences, technology, and culture are changing. Knowing these new words can help people learning English understand what's happening now. Let's look at some of these new words.

 

1. Techlash -This term describes the increasing public criticism of big technology companies. It also shows how people are getting more upset with them. They're worried about things like privacy and fake news. Discussions about 'techlash' are becoming very important as we rely more on technology.

 

Sentence - During our conversation about online privacy concerns, I heard Sarah discussing the techlash against social media platforms.

 

2. Eco-anxiety This term refers to the increasing number of people worried about the worsening environment and climate change. It's about people's stress and fear about what might happen to the planet.

 

Sentence - During our climate change conversation, Ruby told me she feels stressed and worried about the environment, which she called eco-anxiety.

 

3. Zoomtown This term refers to smaller towns or cities where more people are moving because of remote work, which became more common during the pandemic. People are leaving crowded cities to find a better life in these places. This term shows how work and where we live are changing.

 

Sentence - Max explained how, once quiet and remote, his hometown has become a bustling Zoomtown, attracting remote workers seeking a change of pace.

 

4. Infodemic A blend of 'information' and 'epidemic,' this term refers to the rapid spread of misinformation or too much information about a problem, making it difficult to identify solutions. It gained prominence in public health crises, where accurate information is crucial.

 

Sentence - During our discussion about COVID-19, Ruby mentioned how the infodemic of misinformation on social media platforms has made it difficult to distinguish between reliable and false information.

 

5. Quaranteam This word combines "information" and "epidemic." It means too much wrong information spreads fast about a problem, making it challenging to find real solutions. This is a big deal during health crises; getting the correct information is super important.

 

Sentence  - Mia organised a picnic with her quaranteam, a small group of friends who had stayed connected virtually throughout the pandemic.

 

6. Digital Detox 'Digital detox' means taking a break from using digital devices like smartphones, computers, and social media. People do this to feel less stressed and to improve their lives.

 

Sentence - Sarah took a break from her phone and social media for a few days, calling it a digital detox.

 

7. Upcycling - 'Upcycling' is when you make something new and better out of old stuff instead of throwing it away. It's an excellent way to be creative and help the environment.

 

Sentence   - Ruby turned old clothes into new bags through upcycling.

 

8. Biofacturing This term blends 'biology' and 'manufacturing' to describe making commercial products using living things like bacteria or plants. It's a way to produce products that are better for the environment.

 

Sentence   - Biofacturing creates new products using living organisms like bacteria or plants.

 

9. Cryptovenue - This term describes places where cryptocurrency is mainly used for transactions. It shows how digital currencies are becoming more common in regular business.

 

Sentence   - Max bought his first Bitcoin at the local cryptovenue, where he could easily exchange traditional currency for digital assets.

 

10. Greenflation - This word, a mix of 'green' and 'inflation,' discusses how switching to eco-friendly ways can make things more expensive. It shows the financial difficulties of using sustainable technologies.

 

Sentence   - Ruby mentioned her concern about greenflation during our discussion about buying sustainable products.

 

11. Healthprint :- Healthprint is a new term for the unique health data people create using health apps and wearable gadgets. It shows how health tracking is personalised now because of technology.

 

Sentence   - Sarah checked her health print on her phone app to see how many steps she had taken that day.

 

12. Infobesity 'Infobesity' combines 'information' and 'obesity' to describe when people have too much information, making it hard to understand and decide. It shows how tricky it can be to handle all the information available today.

 

Sentence   - Too much time spent scrolling through social media can lead to infobesity, making it hard to focus on essential tasks.

 

13. Mindful Travel - A concept gaining traction, 'mindful travel' encourages travelers to engage deeply with their destinations, focusing on sustainability, cultural respect, and personal growth. It represents a shift towards more conscious and responsible tourism.

 

Sentence   - Ruby chose mindful travel for her vacation, focusing on respecting local cultures and minimizing her environmental impact.

 

14. Netiquette 'Netiquette' is about how people behave online. It's about being respectful, keeping privacy in mind, and understanding others in virtual spaces.

 

Sentence - Our boss reminded his friends to follow netiquette during our online meetings and sessions, emphasizing the importance of being respectful and courteous to other players.

 

15. Phygital - 'It combines 'physical' and 'digital' to describe experiences that mix technology with real-world stuff. It's about creating a blend of physical and digital elements to improve interactions in different areas.

 

Sentence   - The phygital store lets customers buy online or in person, whichever they prefer.

 

16. Recommerce - means selling things that have already been owned before, especially on websites where people buy and sell stuff. It's all about promoting a circular economy and being more sustainable by giving things a second life.

 

Sentence   - Sara sold her old clothes on a commerce website to make extra cash while decluttering her closet.

 

17. Silence Breaker A silence breaker is someone brave enough to speak out against unfairness or mistreatment, shining a light on tough problems. It's about showing how important it is to use one's voice and hold people accountable.

 

Sentence   - Jack was a silence breaker when he spoke up about bullying at school, encouraging others to do the same.

 

18. Telemedicine Telemedicine means getting healthcare services and information through the Internet. It allows doctors to diagnose, treat, and care for patients from far away.

 

Sentence - Sarah had a telemedicine appointment with her doctor instead of attending the clinic.

 

19. Urban Farming- Urban Farming involves growing food in cities, such as on rooftops, balconies, or empty spaces. It helps cities be more sustainable by reducing the distance food travels and supporting local farmers.

 

Sentence - Ruby started urban farming on her apartment balcony, growing fresh herbs and vegetables in pots.

 

20. Veganomics Combining 'vegan' and 'economics,' this term explores the economic aspects of veganism, including market trends, consumer behaviour, and its impact on global food systems.

 

Sentence - Max studied veganomics to understand how plant-based diets can impact the economy and the environment.

 

21. Workcation Merging 'work' and 'vacation' describes working remotely while on vacation, blending productivity with relaxation and exploration.

 

Sentence - During their workcation, Sam and Ruby worked remotely while enjoying a change of scenery.

 

22. Youthquake This word captures significant cultural, political, or social changes driven by young people's actions or influence, highlighting their role in shaping the future.

 

Sentence   - The youthquake at the protest rally was evident as young people led the march, demanding change and reform.

 

These new words add to our vocabulary and help us understand how society, technology, and culture change. They can help people understand what's happening now and improve their English. Each word makes us think about how language changes because of new ideas, problems, and dreams.