Word of the Year 2016: Shortlist

Word of the Year 2016: Shortlist

Post-truth is our Word of the Year selection for 2016, but which other words captured the mood, ethos, or preoccupations of the year?

 

Here are the Oxford Word of the Year 2016 shortlist choices and definitions:

Adulting noun


 

[Mass noun] Informal

The practice of behaving in a way characteristic of a responsible adult, especially the accomplishment of mundane but necessary tasks.

 

Alt-right noun


 

(In the US) an ideological grouping associated with extreme conservative or reactionary viewpoints, characterized by a rejection of mainstream politics and by the use of online media to disseminate deliberately controversial content.

 

Brexiteer noun


 

British informal

A person who is in favour of the United Kingdom withdrawing from the European Union.

 

Chatbot noun


 

A computer program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the Internet.

Coulrophobia noun


 

[Mass noun] rare

Extreme or irrational fear of clowns.

Glass cliff noun


 

Used with reference to a situation in which a woman or member of a minority group ascends to a leadership position in challenging circumstances where the risk of failure is high.

Hygge noun


 

[Mass noun]

A quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Latinx noun, adjective


 

(Plural Latinxs or same)

A person of Latin American origin or descent (used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latino or Latina); relating to people of Latin American origin or descent (used as a gender-neutral or non-binary alternative to Latino or Latina).

Woke adjective


 

(Woker, wokest)

US informal, alert to injustice in society, especially racism.