Who Decides and Why It Matters
Every year, several linguistic institutions announce their Word of the Year, a term that reflects the social, cultural, or technological trends that shaped the past twelve months. Although the idea sounds simple, the process behind selecting a Word of the Year varies widely depending on the organization—and the criteria used in the English-speaking world can be very different from those used in Spanish-speaking countries.
Who Chooses the Word of the Year?
In the English-speaking world, there isn’t just one Word of the Year. Instead, several major dictionaries and linguistic organizations publish their own lists. The most influential are:
Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
Merriam-Webster
Collins Dictionary
Cambridge Dictionary
American Dialect Society (ADS)
Each institution has its own method. Some rely heavily on data analysis, such as tracking the frequency of words in news articles, social media, and search engines. Others combine data with expert panels made up of linguists, lexicographers, and cultural analysts. The American Dialect Society is unique because its Word of the Year is decided through a live vote by linguists, scholars, and language enthusiasts during its annual meeting.
How Are Words Selected?
The criteria vary, but a few key factors are always considered:
1. Frequency and Sudden Growth
The word must show a noticeable increase in usage. For example, “selfie” or “vax” became highly frequent words in a short period.
2. Cultural relevance
Words often reflect major events—politics, climate issues, technology, identity, or pop culture.
3. Longevity and impact
Some institutions prioritize words that will likely remain in use. Others choose words that are temporary but culturally decisive.
4. Public participation
Some dictionaries, such as Cambridge or Collins in certain years, open public nominations or voting. This gives speakers an active role in the selection process.
How Does This Compare to the RAE?
The Real Academia Española (RAE) does not choose a Word of the Year.
In Spanish, the selection is usually made by:
FundéuRAE (Fundación del Español Urgente), which works in collaboration with the RAE but is not the same institution.
Key differences:
FundéuRAE’s Word of the Year
The selection is focused on good use of Spanish.
The goal is to promote correct, clear language.
The winning word must be linguistically recommended and useful for speakers.
Data and linguistic debates are considered, but cultural trends are evaluated through the lens of clarity, adaptation, and linguistic quality.
English Dictionaries' Word of the Year
Each dictionary is independent.
The focus is on usage trends, not correctness.
They analyze millions of words using corpora, news databases, search logs, and algorithms.
The winning word can be informal, slang, or even controversial (e.g., “goblin mode,” “climate emergency,” “rizz”).
Why the Difference?
The difference reflects two contrasting philosophies:
1. Normative vs. Descriptive
RAE/FundéuRAE: more normative → what should be used
English dictionaries: more descriptive → what people actually use.
2. Centralized vs. Decentralized
Spanish has a central institution (RAE) and 23 national academies.
English has no central authority, so dictionaries compete to define trends.
3. Different cultural roles
In Spanish, institutions play a strong role in defending linguistic unity.
In English, dictionaries observe and document usage without regulating it.
Why Does the Word of the Year Matter?
Choosing a Word of the Year is not just a linguistic exercise. It offers a snapshot of how societies think, communicate, and understand the world at a specific moment. Whether the word comes from a viral meme, a technological breakthrough, or a political debate, it becomes part of a broader cultural story.
And in the end, every Word of the Year—no matter which institution chooses it—reminds us that language doesn’t simply record history. It helps shape it.
The Brain Rot Report – Gen Z & Gen Alpha Slang
Read the statements and decide whether they are True (T) or False (F) according to the video.
1. The host of the video is a Millennial who studies pop-culture trends.
T ☐ F ☐
2. The video explains slang used mainly by Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
T ☐ F ☐
3. A lot of “TikTok slang” actually comes from African-American Vernacular English.
T ☐ F ☐
4. According to the video, many people think these slang terms are brand new, even though some have been used for decades.
T ☐ F ☐
5. “Brainrot” originally means doing something very well.
T ☐ F ☐
6. The word slay comes from ballroom culture and means doing something exceptionally well.
T ☐ F ☐
7. “Ate and left no crumbs” means someone made a big mistake.
T ☐ F ☐
8. Calling someone “mother” is a compliment that means they are iconic.
T ☐ F ☐
9. “Tea” is used to talk about exercise routines.
T ☐ F ☐
10. The term “bussin’” is often used to describe food that tastes amazing.
T ☐ F ☐
11. “Ops” is short for opportunity.
T ☐ F ☐x
12. “Cap” means to lie, and “no cap” means you’re telling the truth.
T ☐ F ☐
13. “Sus” became extremely popular because of the game Among Us.
T ☐ F ☐
14. “Mid” is used to describe excellence.
T ☐ F ☐
15. “Living rent-free” means you can’t stop thinking about something.
T ☐ F ☐
16. Calling something “coded” means it shares characteristics with someone or something.
T ☐ F ☐
17. “Ghosting” only refers to friendships, not dating.
T ☐ F ☐
18. “Dulu” is short for delusional and comes from K-pop fan communities.
T ☐ F ☐
19. A “stan” is a casual, not-very-passionate fan.
T ☐ F X
20. “Let them cook” means to interrupt someone who is doing something.
T ☐ F ☐
21. “Locked in” means being totally focused on a task.
T ☐ F ☐
22. “W” and “L” stand for “win” and “loss.”
T X F ☐
23. “Rizz” is used to describe someone with charisma.
T ☐ F ☐