Since 2000, February 21 is celebrated as World Mother Language Day in order to celebrate different languages and promote linguistic and cultural diversity. Around the world, there are thousands of languages, some that we may not be even aware of. And looking at the broder prospect, language also evolves with time. Some new words are added while some vanish away.
English is a language which is generally spoken everywhere throughout the world. Like any other language, this too has evolved. The new generation uses some words which may be totally alien to the older ones. So, on this International Mother Language Day, we thought of bringing 21 such words to you. Don’t look in the dictionary, you might not find some of them in there.
- Mansplain: a man explaining to someone, typically a woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronising.
- Catfish: a term used for a person who creates a fake profile on social media, to get closer to another person. Generally for romantic purposes.
- Babymoon: a relaxing or romantic holiday taken by parents-to-be before their baby is born.
- Hepeated: when a woman suggests an idea and it is ignored, but then a man says the same thing and everyone loves it.
- Bae: used as a term of endearment. The word is used as a synonym for baby or babe and usually refers to the partner in one’s life.
- Snowflake: used as an insulting term for a person characterised as oversensitive or easily offended or as feeling entitled to special treatment or consideration.
- Lit: amazing in every sense.
- Gaslight: manipulate someone by psychological means into doubting their own sanity.
- Ghosting: the practice of ending a personal relationship with someone suddenly, and withdrawing from all communication without letting them know.
- Sofralia: collective word for niece and nephew.
- Fam: friends you are closest to.
- Hangry: bad-tempered or irritable as a result of hunger.
- On fleek: on point.
- Manel: a panel consisting of just men.
- Nibling: a child of one’s sibling.
- Feminhippo: a hypocritical feminist.
- Manterrupting: unnecessary interruption when a woman is speaking by a man.
- Squad: a group of friends.
- Bropropriating: taking a woman’s idea and taking credit for it.
- Woke: aware of current events and social justice issues.
- Salty: term used to describe someone who is angry or agitated.
Hope this improves your vocabulary. Happy International Mother Language Day to all.