Welcome to Macquarie Dictionary’s first words to watch for 2025!
The editors at Macquarie Dictionary are always on the lookout for new words that have been adopted into the Australian English lexicon.
From the indulgent treat of a concrete to the subtle rebellion of hushed hybrid work practices, these emerging words reflect the quirks and shifts of modern life. Whether you’re awfulising a situation, daydreaming about your delusionship, or embracing your millennial microwave, these words seem to be capturing our day-to-day experiences.
So what do you think? Should these words be recognised as part of the Australian lexicon by being added to the Macquarie?
awfulise
This word describes the act of imagining or interpreting events in an overly catastrophic way. Whether it’s a minor inconvenience or an impending challenge, to awfulise is to amplify the worst-case scenario in your mind.
delusionship
In the world of modern dating and fandom, delusionship describes an imaginary, idealised relationship born from intense infatuation. Whether it’s with a celebrity, a crush, or someone you’ve barely spoken to, a delusionship blurs the line between reality and fantasy. Think of it as the ultimate ‘situationship’ – just without any actual relationship to speak of.
millennial microwave
The air fryer has earned itself a new nickname – the millennial microwave. More than just a kitchen essential, the air fryer’s new nickname taps into the heart of microwave culture – a desire for quick, no-fuss convenience.
hushed hybrid
As workplaces adapt to post-pandemic norms, some managers quietly defy return-to-office mandates – a practice now dubbed hushed hybrid. This under-the-radar flexibility allows employees to maintain remote work, aligning with the recent legislated right to disconnect and shifting views on work-life balance.
concrete
In the world of desserts, concrete is a frozen custard treat with ingredients such as cookie fragments, nuts, chocolate pieces or fruit mixed through. Its name comes from its thick, rigid texture, reminiscent of the sturdy substance it’s named after.
