Times are changing and so is our language.
Open the dictionary now and you will find dozens of new words that reflect the digital age — although it is not just the tech savvy that are influencing our language.
The entertainment world has coined dozens of terms that have found their way into Merriam-Webster, which added 600 new words to the dictionary this year and gave some existing words new meaning.
The business and medical worlds have also contributed to the updated version while certain old words have had their meanings updated to better reflect the modern world.
Here, we take a look at 10 new words and phrases that have been added to the dictionary for 2019:
1. Qubit. You will be forgiven for not knowing what this word means. In scientific circles, a qubit is "the unit of information in a computational model based on the unstable qualities of quantum mechanics, a blend of quantum and bit."
2. Buzzy. Flip through the pages of a magazine and chances are you will stumble upon this word, which refers to anyone creating buzz. Merriam-Webster defines "buzzy" as "causing or characterized by a lot of speculative or excited talk or attention."
3. Gender nonconforming. As we said, times are changing and our concepts are broadening, especially when it comes to gender conformity. This word is used in terms of "exhibiting behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits that do not correspond with the traits typically associated with one's sex."
4. Gig economy. A decade ago independent work was seen as a luxury but the digital boom has resulted in an explosion of freelancing opportunities. It is only apt that a word be developed to explain this sector of the economy. Merriam-Webster defines "gig economy" as "economic activity that involves the use of temporary or freelance workers to perform jobs typically in the service sector."
5. Page view. It was only a matter of time before this term was worked into the dictionary. For those who do not know the meaning of "page view" it is "an instance of a user viewing an individual page on a website."
6. Snowflake. Here’s an existing word that has been given new meaning. Once used to describe a single piece of snow that falls from the sky, the word snowflake is now used to mean "someone regarded or treated as unique or special" and "someone who is overly sensitive."
7. Garbage time. Sports fans will recognize this word, which refers to the last minutes of a game in which "one side has an insurmountable lead."
8. Screen time. A few years ago screen time referred to the amount of time someone spent in front of the camera in a movie but now a days it is also used to refer to the time spent in front of a screen. Probably because we spent too much time watching “GoT.”
9. Bottle episode. Never before has series binge-watching been such a popular past time and it is largely thanks to streaming services. Enter the word "bottle episode," which refers to "an inexpensively produced episode of a television series that is typically confined to one setting."
10. Vulture capitalism. Merriam-Webster defines "vulture capitalism" as "a form of venture capitalism in which aggressive methods are used to buy a distressed business with the intention of selling it at a profit."
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