English Learning for Curious Minds | A More Interesting Way To Learn English #587 | The Curious Tradition of Words of the Year
Jan 1, 2026
Explore the intriguing world of Words of the Year, from the playful 'selfie' to the cynical 'post-truth.' Discover how cultural shifts and technological trends shape our language, and what terms like 'goblin mode' reveal about modern society. Dive into the selection process that blends data and public opinion in defining our linguistic markers, and look ahead to the emerging terms for 2025, including the enigmatic '6-7.' Each word is a snapshot of our time, reflecting societal concerns and evolving communication.
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Truthiness And Political Rhetoric
- Alastair recounts 2005's 'truthiness' coined by Stephen Colbert to mean something that feels true even if it isn't.
- He connects the term to politicians who prioritised feeling over evidence, like George W. Bush's WMD claims.
Selfie Marks A Cultural Shift
- Alastair recalls 2013's selfie as a word that marks the cultural shift to mass self-photography.
- He notes the term helps historians pinpoint when people began taking photos of themselves en masse.
Post-Truth And Political Polarisation
- Alastair describes 2016's 'post-truth' capturing politics where emotions outweighed facts.
- He links the term to Brexit and the US presidential election's polarisation.