These are new words or phrases that have caught my eye. My definition of a new word is one which is not in the Macquarie Dictionary online.
Some words seem to have more significance than others in terms of reflecting changes in the Australian culture, so I will give each word a Zeitgeist rating (ZG) within a range of 1-10.
If you disagree with the rating that I give, please argue your case in the comment field provided.
I would love you to contact me if you have made any new word discoveries of your own.
Bazball was on show for most Australians this year in the Ashes test series. It was not what people were used to in test cricket where the rule was to play conservatively and protect your wicket. Test cricket was very different from one-day cricket and T20 where the batter aggressively attempted to score from every ball if possible.
ZG: 10 for cricket enthusiasts
And probably zero for the rest of the community. Who knows how long Bazball will be around?
Read MoreOn the golf course spectators are asked to be as quiet as possible. No sudden loud noises, no loud voices or energetic movements. This is all set out in the Aberdeen Code of 1783.
ZG: 5
A fashionable way of expressing disdain that may take off.
Read MoreThe starting point for this word is the term enfant terrible which dates back in British English to the 1850s and was applied to a child who embarrassed their parents with ill-timed remarks. Later it was applied to adults who were, in their speech or behaviour, unconventional to the point of shocking other people. Such displays have come to be associated with precocious talent.
ZG: 6
This is a word that may well be found to be useful, given the amount of terribilism on display.
Read MoreThis is a formalised version of streetball, itself a form of basketball designed for an urban setting.
ZG: 4
The Olympics would have perhaps given this sport a higher profile but that won’t be until next year now.
Read MoreThis is a sport loosely based on badminton but taking elements from tennis and ping-pong, such as using paddles rather than racquets.
ZG: 5
Yet another of the odd sports that have flourished over the last few decades.
Read More
