Does the broligarchy qualify as a black elephant situation? Will generation beta jump aboard the Scandinavian philosophy of friluftsliv or fart walks? These are just a few examples of words currently under consideration for entry into the Macquarie Dictionary. In the event they are found to have established themselves in the Australian lexicon, they may even be considered for Word of the Year.
black elephant
Just in case the ‘elephant in the room’ wasn’t obvious enough, let’s actively make something worse by putting on see-through blinkers when we come across a black elephant – an event or situation that is clearly foreseen as being disastrous or dangerous, but which goes ignored. Unlike a ‘black swan event’ which is so improbable that it is not likely to even be predicted, the black elephant walks into the room, introduces itself and exclaims loudly that it’s exhausted and needs a rest. Why do we then profess to be completely shocked when sat upon? This coinage is too good not to pick up currency and sadly, there are just too many real-life instances where this could be applied.
generation beta / gen beta
Generation beta already have my sympathy. While following the Greek alphabet may work well to indicate succession or sequence, beta also has the not-so-appealing sense of denoting something or something inferior. Each generation loves to pile on and complain about the following generations. Gen alphas, who grew up after 2010, have been handed gen betas on a platter. As much as those growing up after 2025 may try to shrug off this appellation, it’s already very much in use.
broligarchy
This derogatory term which has been peppering the news is being used to describe government by a group of wealthy men – especially those who occupy prominent roles in the technology sector.
friluftsliv
Without even knowing what this meant when first stumbled upon (let alone how to say it, try free-loofs-liv), it evoked memories of the Danish practice of ‘hygge’ (say hyooh-guh) – creating an environment of cosiness, which, in turn, fosters feelings of contentment and wellbeing. It will be interesting to see if, like hygge in 2017, this Scandinavian philosophy that promotes spending time in natural surroundings and engaging in outdoor activities to connect with nature and improve one’s wellbeing will also be embraced worldwide. A Norwegian term which translates to ‘open-air life’.
fart walk
An on-the-nose term for a practice that everyone should adopt! Be proactive and help your digestive processes by taking a turn around the block after each meal.
