“AI” wins Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year for 2023

In 2023, the surge in discussions around artificial intelligence, debating its potential as a transformative boon or a harbinger of doom, has crowned AI as the “word of the year” by the esteemed Collins Dictionary. Highlighting this trend, lexicographers from Collins emphasized how the term’s popularity has “skyrocketed,” solidifying its place as the year’s predominant conversation topic.

The Grip of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The acronym for artificial intelligence has been declared as the Word of the Year for 2023 by Collins Dictionary, the company announced this Tuesday.
Scholars from Collins highlighted that the frequency of the term “AI” has seen a remarkable surge, marking it as a primary topic of discussion throughout the year.

“The prominence of Artificial Intelligence this year is undeniable. The evolution of ArtificiaI intelligence has positioned it as essential in our daily routines, akin to email, streaming, and other once visionary technologies that are now commonplace,” commented Alex Beecroft, Collins’ managing director.

For this determination, the Collins team utilized the Collins Corpus, a comprehensive database boasting over 20 billion words. This repository includes written content from global sources like websites, newspapers, magazines, and books.

Additionally, spoken content from mediums like radio, television, and daily interactions also finds a place in this database. With fresh data being added monthly, the Corpus assists the editorial team at Collins in spotting emerging words and evolving definitions as soon as they surface.

“Observing the word’s usage through our Collins Corpus is always enlightening, and it’s evident that Artificial Intelligence has been a central theme of 2023,” noted Beecroft.

Collins: Pioneering Dictionary Publishing for Nearly 200 Years

With an illustrious history nearing 200 years, Collins remains at the forefront of dictionary publishing in today’s digital age. Their dictionaries, known for their ease of use and current relevance, derive their robustness from comprehensive language research anchored in the Collins Corpus.

Collinsdictionary.com: A Digital Leap Forward

Initiated in 2007 with the Collins English Dictionary, Collinsdictionary.com has since expanded its offerings. Today, it houses the highly-praised COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a top-tier English thesaurus, and a vast array of bilingual dictionaries. These span languages include Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Mandarin Chinese, and Hindi.

Other “Words of the Year” contenders in 2023 were:

In a year dominated by conversations around artificial intelligence, several other terms made their mark, vying for Collins Dictionary’s coveted “word of the year” for 2023. Here’s a deep dive into these contenders:

Bazball

Derived from the name of England’s head cricket coach, Brendon McCullum (famously called ‘Baz’), this term describes an electrifying and assertive style of cricket, mirroring his dynamic approach to the game.

Canon Event

This profound term refers to an event that plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s character or identity. Such occurrences can be life-altering, leaving an indelible mark on a person’s psyche.

Debanking

This term gained prominence from notable figures like Nigel Farage and signifies the act of stripping someone of their banking privileges. In a digital age, such a move can have profound implications for individuals.

Deinfluencing

In the age of influencers, this term serves as a counter-narrative. It’s the act of urging social media followers to steer clear of specific products or lifestyle decisions, highlighting the responsibility influencers carry.

Greedflation

A portmanteau of ‘greed’ and ‘inflation,’ this word pinpoints the nefarious practice of using inflation as a veil to inflate prices, driving up corporate profits at the expense of consumers.

Nepo Baby

In an era of celebrity culture, this term shines a light on individuals who seem to benefit from the fame of their parents. It’s a nod to ‘nepotism’ and the privileges it can bestow.

Semaglutide

Amid health discussions, this term emerged as a reference to a medication designed to curb appetite and regulate high blood sugar, showcasing the ever-evolving medical landscape.

Ultraprocessed

With growing consciousness about health and diet, this term has come into the limelight. It pertains to foods manufactured through intricate industrial procedures, often incorporating ingredients that offer minimal to no nutritional benefit.

Ulez (Ultra-Low Emission Zone)

As environmental concerns rise, this acronym points to specific urban zones where only vehicles with low emissions can enter without incurring a charge. It underscores the global push towards a greener future.

In retrospect, 2023 wasn’t just about Artificial Intelligence; it was a year where language adapted and evolved, reflecting the intricate tapestry of global events and cultural shifts.

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