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.
Britain launched its vaccine with lots of publicity and the day was called V-day. This resonates with VE day at the end of WWII so it has both gravitas and excitement.
ZG: 5
Unfortunately the excitement of V-day in the UK was overtaken quickly by the gloomy prospect of no Christmas.
Read MoreThis is a derogatory term used by people who do wear facemasks in public for those who don’t. The word is a blend of facemask and arsehole. It seemed to become popular in the middle of the year but spread widely.
ZG: 6
There are those in the community who feel that wearing a mask is a sensible and practical thing to do. Equally there are those who resist it.
Read MoreNow that there is the possibility of a vaccine opening up international travel again, the WHO is wary of asking for an immunity certificate and will simply require a confirmation of vaccination certificate.
ZG: 4
The various international bubbles have burst so this certificate will have to wait.
Read MoreThis is proving to be a popular asset in libraries, schools and homes. It is a spin bike with a book holder where the bike handles should be so that it combines the activity of reading with bicycling.
ZG: 5
It is well known that some children find it very difficult to sit still long enough to read a book, so something that syphons off their excess energy while allowing them to read at the same time is a great idea.
Read MoreThe WHO has recognised that pandemic fatigue is real and is encouraging a discussion of what to do about it. The sense of empowerment has been replaced by feelings of sadness, frustration, fear, but also boredom.
ZG: 5
While many of us would say ‘We’re over it!’, the response of the people in the northern suburbs of Sydney to a new threat shows that we still have the energy to resist.
Read MoreThis is sometimes referred to as G2G pass declaration or G2G declaration pass but is in full G2G pass registration and declaration. This is the authorisation that is required if you wish to travel to Western Australia.
ZG: 5
Sadly we were all good to go for a very brief period and then the borders were closed again.
Read MoreThis is a system which Victoria has implemented on its border with NSW. Everyone coming from NSW into Victoria needs a border pass but the restrictions vary according to the zone from which you are coming.
Read MoreWe are now suddenly acutely aware of the dangers involved in the simple cough or sneeze, particularly when the person coughing is not wearing a mask.
Read MoreThe populace took to standing outside or on their balconies, verandahs, fire escapes or any vantage point they could legally reach at a certain time of the day and clapping their hands, banging pots and pans, making a racket in any way available to them, to express their support for those at the frontline of the pandemic
Read MoreThis is an acronym formed from All Cops Are Bastards, a slogan which emerged early in the 20th century from groups resisting governments and government authority.
ZG: 8
The impetus for this acronym came from America but it proved to be quite popular in Australia as well.
Read MoreWe have all been encouraged to be alert to the possibility that someone we know is in some kind of crisis, and to ask the simple question How are you feeling? rather than shy away from the difficulty.
ZG: 5
This is a word launched by a public campaign so it remains to be seen whether it really takes in the community or not.
Read MoreThis year has seen the adoption of the acronym BIPOC standing for ‘Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour’. The idea is that this is a unifying grouping for all people who are not white.
ZG: 3
This one is low frequency and will, I think, pass us by.
Read MoreThe inability to think clearly and make decisions has been called bushfire brain when it arises from the overwhelming devastation and loss caused by bushfire.
ZG: 6
Sadly this was something that affected a number of people in the community.
Read MoreThis is the fruit of a small tree, Buchanania obovata, which is native to the woodland areas of northern Australia. It has a small green fruit which is plum-shaped, and so the name green plum.
ZG: 4
This will remain low frequency until the fruit is for sale commercially. After that we will have to see how popular it becomes.
Read MoreThis is a shot at goal taken in the last five minutes of a netball game from the outer part of the goal circle, and is rewarded by a second shot.
ZG: 4
A piece of netball jargon so well-known to a section of the community but not known by others.
Read MoreThis is an aesthetic in fashion and design which tries to recreate the simplicity, naturalness, wholesomeness and self-sufficiency of country living.
ZG: 5
The pandemic has produced some surprising responses. The idyll of rural life has been popular but the pandemic certainly gave it a boost.
Read MoreThis is clothing which is designed to be easy to manage for people with various disabilities, but at the same time well-designed and fashionable.
ZG: 4
A niche market but a worthy goal and a simple and straightforward name.
Read MoreOur goal is net zero, short for net zero carbon emissions, which we hope to reach by 2050. That means that the carbon we emit is cancelled out by what we take away and the bottom line is zero.
ZG: 9
This term has high frequency which will undoubtedly continue as we fail to come to grips with the necessary measures to save the environment.
Read MoreThere is a move towards making favourite takeaways at home, thus reducing the cost and perhaps improving the health value of such meals.
ZG: 6
There has been a lot of COVID humour directed at the home cooking that has been attempted this year as a remedy for boredom. There has also been a lot of UBER eating that has inspired this joke.
Read MoreThe term panda bashing has low frequency but it sits in a well-established set of bashing terms so it has a solid foundation and is supported by its antonym panda hugger, and by the term panda diplomacy.
ZG: 4
Despite the amount of panda bashing that has been done this year, the term does not have huge currency.
Read More
