A Unique Exploration of Language: Autumn Insights and New Words
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Chapter 1: A Journey into Language
Welcome to the latest installment in this ongoing series that showcases intriguing new words and phrases, gathered from deep dives into literary and media realms. These linguistic treasures may be unfamiliar to you, but you might recognize some—if so, feel free to chuckle at my lack of knowledge, which is always a rich source of inspiration.
One notable term is INFJ, derived from the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). This acronym encompasses Introversion, Intuition, Feeling, and Judging. Individuals with this personality type are often reflective, empathetic, organized, and idealistic, driven by a strong urge to contribute positively to society. For those interested in learning more, check out the link below:
Another interesting phrase is “Low Key,” which surfaced in a piece by Yohan J discussing Gen Z slang. This term conveys a sense of subtlety or an easy-going attitude. Dive deeper into Yohan's article here:
Next, we have the word Ice, also from Yohan's series, referring to jewelry or luxurious items.
ZIRP is another term that emerged in a Medium newsletter by Scott Lamb, suggesting a Zero Interest Rate Policy. However, Scott didn’t clarify this acronym, which adds a layer of intrigue!
In a chat with my daughter, who is nearing completion of her physiotherapy training, the term Radiculitis came up. I mistakenly thought she said “ridiculitis,” which sounded less compassionate for someone entering a caregiving role. Radiculitis occurs when a nerve root in the spine becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain, numbness, or tingling. It’s often described as a “pain in the neck”—which could apply to some politicians!
Another striking term is solastalgia, coined by environmental philosopher Glenn Albrecht in 2005 to articulate the emotional toll of large-scale coal mining in Australia. This term eventually found its way into the British medical journal The Lancet and even appeared in a 2022 United Nations report concerning climate change's impact on health.
Psychoterratic is yet another term from Albrecht, addressing the mental health issues stemming from our disconnection with nature. This new vocabulary aims to discuss the intricate links between environmental factors and mental well-being. Interestingly, the last two terms in this segment have frustrated Grammarly, which I find amusing!
The term blaccent describes the imitation of Black vernacular by non-Black individuals. As author Mikki Kendall explains, this term highlights the inauthentic accent often used by cultural appropriators. A recent article on BBC News illustrates this concept through a viral impression:
Lastly, we encounter the word prolix, which refers to speech or writing that is overly verbose and tedious. Luke Harding’s book "Mafia State" uses it to characterize a Russian oligarch, showcasing the narrative’s excessive length.
Dreich is a Scottish term that describes gloomy or bleak weather, commonly used to depict the UK's often dreary climate. Mrs. Pearce first encountered this word in a film review while seeking a distraction from the dreich conditions.
I hope this collection has piqued your interest! Please share your own favorite words in the comments below. Thank you for joining me in this linguistic adventure.
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Previous articles from The Word Collector:
- Part 37 — A Cockamamie Collection Of Highkey Zhuzh
- Part 36 — Keggers, Kerning, Çay and Crickets
- Part 35 — Murmuring Judges and Anhedonia
- Part 34 — A-quomodocunquizing-borborygmus
- Part 33 — Going Monk Mode In Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamatea turipukakapiki maungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu
- Part 32 — Turpitudinous Tourons
- Part 31 — Hurkle Durkle, Medicanes and Misophonia
- Part 30 — Immortal Earworms
- Part 29 — Government on the RAAC
- Part 28 – Saved by a Deus Ex Machina
- Part 27 — Pre-Lapsarian Yakers
- Part 26 — Fegans, Jorts, Rababs and Scotch Bonnets
- Part 25 — Fissiparous Hegemony
- Part 24 — Lollygag and Booktok
- Part 23 — Patronymics and Samovars
- Part 22 — Medium is No Chronofage If YRMIRY
- Part 21 — Everything Is Eellogofusciouhipoppokunurious
- Part 20 — Hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia and The Matthew Effect
- Part 19 — A Nappuccino and Some Typo-Squatting
- Part 18 — Yeeting Detritovres
- Part 17 — An Inverted Pyramid Of Piffle On The Bed Of Procrustes
- Part 16 — Having The Jones and Partisan Acrimony
- Part 15 — Spycops In The Boondocks
- Part 14 — Harlots, Stochastic Parrots, And The Devil’s Cufflinks
- Part 13 — The Things We Make Exceptional
- Part 12 — “Semper Fidelis” And Semantic Symbiosis
- Part 11 — Heliophobic Hikikomori
- Part 10 — Lenticular Clouds And Peque Peques
- Part 9 — Big Red Boots And Nepo Babies
- Part 8 — A Patina Of Smilies
- Part 7 — Atavistic Frou Frou
- Part 6 — Mouth Breathers And Pearl Clutchers
- Part 5 — The Lexophile’s Latest List
- Part 4 — Revenge of the Word Collector
- Part 3 — An Etymological Extravaganza
- Part 2 — Return of The Word Collector
- Part 1 — A Moment In The Sun