As we wrap up 2024, the Macquarie Dictionary team is diving into the words that defined the year. We’re reminiscing about the terms that became everyday essentials, the ones that sparked debates, and those that brought a little humour into our lives.
Sure, we’re still grappling with the relentless cozzie livs and watching generative AI continue its unstoppable rise from 2023, but 2024 has introduced its own distinctive vocabulary that completely mogs 2023. Fresh words have emerged from cultural shifts, social media trends, and global events – and from this ever-growing list, we’re gearing up to crown our 2024 Word of the Year.
So, how exactly do we pick the word that captures the essence of 2024?
Behind the scenes at Macquarie Dictionary, choosing the Word of the Year is an intense, multistep process. It all starts with our dedicated team of editors, who pull together a longlist from new words added to the dictionary over the past twelve months.
Of course, categories from Art to Business to the Internet are all considered here. Our job in lexicography is to represent language as it is used by all sectors of the community, from those concerned with the right to disconnect, to our skibidi Gen Alphas only just learning how to use a dictionary.
Then, the real fun begins.
In a selection meeting packed with spirited debate and wordplay, our editors sit down with an all-star committee (and maybe some personality hires) that includes radio host, game show icon and cruciverbalist, David Astle, along with the ABC’s resident language guru, Tiger Webb.
Together, we whittle down the list to a shortlist – an undertaking that requires no shortage of blood, sweat, tears, and maybe a touch of Aussie humour. Not to mention a lot of active listening and a full social battery.
But we don’t stop there. Once the shortlist is set, it’s time for the ultimate showdown: selecting our official Word of the Year (and our runners-up of course).
But don’t @ us about our choice! This is where you come in. Each year, we open the shortlist to the public for the People’s Choice Word of the Year – your chance to vote for the new word that sums up 2024 in your eyes.
Mark your calendars! Voting opens on November 18, with the Macquarie Dictionary and People’s Choice Words of the Year announced on November 26.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to get off your gyats and vote before Australia’s Brat Summer is in full swing!
