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Collins Dictionary has said its word of the year is permacrisis – meaning “an extended period of instability and insecurity”.
With the Ukraine war, the cost-of-living crisis and political upheaval, it said the word “sums up quite succinctly just how truly awful 2022 has been for so many people”.
Last year’s word of the year was NFT (non-fungible token).
Six of the 10 words of 2022 are new to Collins Dictionary and include partygate – the infamous Downing Street scandal, and warm bank – a public building like a library where people who can’t afford heating go to get warm.
For those disillusioned with their job, quiet quitting may be an option. It’s another new addition and refers to doing only one’s most basic duties as a way of protest or to improve work/life balance.
A business with disgruntled staff may also seek a vibe shift – a “significant change in the prevailing atmosphere or culture”.
And with King Charles having succeeded the Queen, Carolean – denoting the era of the new monarch – is also on the list.
Sportwashing makes an appearance after increased use this year ahead of Qatar’s upcoming World Cup and major events being held in countries such as Saudi Arabia.
It refers to hosting sports competitions, or even owning teams, to distract from controversial policies or activities.
Qatar has been accused of sportwashing to cover human rights concerns. Pic: AP
Ukrainian capital Kyiv has been added to the Collins Dictionary, as has splooting – the phenomenon by which animals stretch out their limbs to cool down in the heat.
Lawfare is another new addition and refers to “the strategic use of legal proceedings to intimidate or hinder an opponent”.
Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins Learning said: “It is understandable that people may feel, after living through upheaval caused by Brexit, the pandemic, severe weather, the war in Ukraine, political instability, the energy squeeze and the cost of living crisis, that we are living in an ongoing state of uncertainty and worry; permacrisis sums up quite succinctly just how truly awful 2022 has been for many people.
“Our list this year reflects the state of the world right now – not much good news, although, with the determination of the Ukrainian people reflected by the inclusion of Kyiv, and the dawn of the new Carolean age in the UK, there are rays of hope.”
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