The word is defined as “an extended period of instability and insecurity,” which some might argue is an accurate summary of recent years. Collins said he chose the word as it “very succinctly sums up how truly awful 2022 was for so many people”. Permacrisis tops a list of 10 words, six of them new entries in the dictionary, representing 2022, Collins said. ‘Partygate’ refers to the Downing Street scandal of social gatherings during the pandemic, which flout public health rules and contrast sharply with most people’s sense of isolation and loss. “Kyiv” made the list after the name of the Ukrainian capital came to symbolize the country’s stance against Russian aggression. A “Warm Bank” describes a building such as a public library or place of worship that opens its doors during the winter months to provide a welcoming space for people struggling to heat their homes due to rising energy costs. The growing practice of “quiet resignation” – doing essential tasks at work, but no more, rejecting competing careerism and after-hours emails – made the cut, as did the “vibe shift”, meaning a “significant change in prevailing atmosphere or culture’. “Carolean” refers to the new monarchical era following the end of the second Elizabethan era this year and the accession of King Charles. “Law” is the strategic use of legal procedures to intimidate or obstruct an adversary. Mankind’s four-legged friends contributed the term ‘splooting’ – the act of lying flat on the stomach on a cool surface with legs outstretched as a way of coping with unusually high temperatures. Cats, dogs, cows, polar bears and squirrels have been spotted stealing from social media throughout 2022. The latest word is “sportswashing”, a term for organizations and countries that use sporting activities to boost their reputation or distract from unacceptable politics. Qatar, the host of the 2022 soccer World Cup that starts this month, has been accused of sports-washing after concerns about the mistreatment of migrant workers, homophobia and freedom of expression. The list reflects “the state of the world right now,” said Alex Beecroft, chief executive of Collins Learning. Archie Bland and Nimo Omer take you to the top stories and what they mean, free every weekday morning Privacy Notice: Newsletters may contain information about charities, online advertising and content sponsored by external parties. For more information, see our Privacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and Google’s Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. “Language can be a mirror of what is happening in society and the wider world and this year has produced challenge after challenge. “It is understandable that people may feel, after living through the turmoil caused by Brexit, the pandemic, bad weather, the war in Ukraine, political instability, energy pressure and the cost of living crisis, that we are in a continuing state of uncertainty and anxiety.” Collins Dictionary monitors its database of 18 billion words and a range of media sources, including social media, to produce an annual list of new and noteworthy words.
