They Tried to Sum Up a Whole Decade in Just One Word

30 May 2024

Remember "truthiness?" How about "selfie?" Every decade has its buzzwords, its slang, its linguistic quirks that feel as fleeting as a summer romance. But then there are the words that burrow deeper, the ones that capture the zeitgeist so perfectly, they become cultural shorthand for an entire era. That's where the "Word of the Decade" comes in.

Picking a single word to represent ten years might seem like an impossible task, but that's precisely what lexicographers and language enthusiasts love to debate. These "word of the decade" lists aren't just about crowning a linguistic victor; they're a fascinating reflection of the social, political, and technological forces that shaped those years.

The practice of choosing a "Word of the Year" (and by extension, the decade) really gained steam in the late 20th century, fueled by dictionaries and language institutions eager to document the ever-evolving nature of how we communicate. But these pronouncements aren't without controversy. Critics often argue that the selection process is subjective, influenced by media trends or even the agendas of the institutions themselves.

Regardless of where you stand on the selection process, there's no denying that "Word of the Decade" lists spark conversations. They force us to look back and analyze the cultural moments, anxieties, and triumphs that have left an undeniable mark on our language. Take, for example, the Oxford Dictionary's choice for the 2010s: "toxic." It's a word that, while not necessarily new, took on a chilling resonance in the context of political discourse, environmental crises, and even online culture.

So, are these lists the definitive record of our linguistic history? Not necessarily. Are they a fun and thought-provoking way to analyze how we use language to make sense of the world around us? Absolutely.

Advantages and Disadvantages of "Word of the Decade" Lists

Advantages	Disadvantages
Spark cultural conversations about language and its evolution. Offer a snapshot of the dominant themes and anxieties of a decade. Can introduce people to new vocabulary and ways of thinking about language.	Selection process can be subjective and influenced by various factors. May oversimplify complex social and cultural trends. Can sometimes feel gimmicky or driven by marketing rather than genuine linguistic analysis.

Five "Words of the Decade" That Defined Recent History

Here are a few examples of "Word of the Decade" picks from various dictionaries and linguistic institutions, along with why they resonated:

2010s: "Toxic" (Oxford Dictionaries) - This choice reflected a growing awareness of toxicity in various forms, from political discourse to social media interactions.
2000s: "Web 2.0" (Merriam-Webster) - Highlighting the rise of user-generated content, social media, and a more interactive internet experience.
1990s: "Global" (Various) - Captured the increasing interconnectedness of the world through globalization, technology, and cultural exchange.
1980s: "Greed" (Several publications) - Reflected the decade's economic boom, but also the excesses and materialism that came with it.
1970s: "Watergate" (Again, numerous sources) - Became synonymous with political scandal and a loss of trust in government.

Digging Deeper: Exploring "Word of the Decade" Lists

Want to see how language has evolved over time? Several websites and resources offer deep dives into "Word of the Year" and "Word of the Decade" selections. A quick internet search will lead you down a fascinating rabbit hole of linguistic trends!

Whether you're a language enthusiast, a history buff, or just someone who enjoys a good debate, "Word of the Decade" lists offer a unique lens through which to view the past. They remind us of the power of language to reflect not just what we say, but what we value, what we fear, and what we hope for the future.