Every year, one word rises above the rest. It cuts through the noise of headlines, TikToks, political speeches, and pop culture moments to capture the collective spirit of a moment in time. That word becomes the “Word of the Year”—a single term chosen not for its spelling or grammar, but for its ability to reflect what the world is feeling, discussing, and going through. In 2023, this tradition continued, and the word selected spoke volumes about our society, our challenges, and our transformations.
Think of language as a mirror. The words we use reflect the world we live in. When you hear the Word of the Year, you’re not just hearing a trendy catchphrase; you’re hearing a cultural pulse, a global heartbeat, and a social echo all at once. It’s remarkable how just a single word can summarize a year of innovation, conflict, discovery, and change.
But how does a word gain this level of importance? What does it say about us as individuals and as a society? And why do language experts, educators, marketers, and influencers alike all pay attention to it? These are some of the questions we’ll explore in this comprehensive guide to the Word of the Year 2023.
Whether you’re a linguistics lover, a curious reader, or just someone who wants to stay on top of cultural trends, this article will walk you through everything you need to know—starting with what a Word of the Year actually is.
2. What Is a “Word of the Year”?
The “Word of the Year” is a tradition observed by major dictionaries and linguistic institutions to highlight a single word or phrase that encapsulates the essence of the past year. It’s more than just a vocabulary choice—it’s a reflection of what dominated public discourse, news cycles, social media platforms, and everyday conversations.
Dictionaries like Oxford, Merriam-Webster, Collins, and Cambridge each publish their own Word of the Year, often accompanied by insightful commentary and statistical data showing the rise in searches or usage frequency of that term. This practice not only tracks language evolution but also helps document cultural history in real-time.
Interestingly, a Word of the Year isn’t always a brand-new word. It could be a centuries-old term that has suddenly gained new relevance or meaning due to global events. For example, during the pandemic, words like “quarantine,” “lockdown,” and “vaccine” shot to prominence, becoming buzzwords not because they were new, but because they were suddenly central to everyday life.
Choosing the Word of the Year isn’t random—it’s a blend of data analysis, social insight, and cultural observation. In many ways, the selected word becomes a linguistic time capsule. It captures how we felt, what we faced, what excited us, and what challenged us.
In the sections ahead, we’ll explore who decides this important word, how it’s chosen, and what made 2023’s selection stand out in the lexicon.
3. The Purpose Behind Choosing a Word of the Year
The Word of the Year isn’t just a fun linguistic tradition—it’s a meaningful tool that helps society reflect on the most significant conversations, emotions, and events of a given year. Think of it as a verbal snapshot of the collective mood, concerns, or innovations that defined the world over 12 months. The primary purpose of selecting such a word is to highlight how language adapts to our changing lives and to raise awareness of key issues or phenomena that left a major impact.
At its core, the Word of the Year serves as a cultural barometer. Whether it’s a term born from political unrest, social activism, scientific innovation, or a viral meme, the chosen word usually encapsulates a theme that resonates with millions. For example, in a year of economic uncertainty, a word like “inflation” might dominate discussions. In contrast, during times of political upheaval, terms like “resistance” or “freedom” may rise to the top.
The practice also has an educational function. It encourages people to pause and think critically about the language they use, and how that language shapes their perceptions. It’s not uncommon for people to encounter the Word of the Year and begin researching its deeper meaning, history, or relevance. This sparks conversations that go far beyond vocabulary—it opens the door to debates on identity, technology, mental health, or global change.
Furthermore, the Word of the Year serves as a unifier. In a world where media and technology often divide people into echo chambers, one carefully selected word can cut through differences and generate a shared dialogue. It becomes a talking point, a hashtag, a headline, and even a symbol of unity or struggle.
Finally, from a linguistic perspective, the Word of the Year celebrates the dynamism of language. It reminds us that English (and other languages too) is alive—it grows, evolves, and morphs in real time. And in this digital era where new words and phrases can explode into popularity overnight, this tradition helps us track those changes and understand their wider implications.
In the next section, we’ll dive into the fascinating process of how the Word of the Year is selected—a mix of data science, cultural insight, and a touch of intuition.
3. The Purpose Behind Choosing a Word of the Year
Choosing a Word of the Year is more than a branding move or a dictionary publicity stunt—it’s a thoughtful act rooted in language, society, and culture. Its purpose is to distill the essence of a complex, fast-paced year into a single term that embodies the experiences, emotions, and conversations that shaped us. This chosen word is meant to spark reflection, inspire dialogue, and capture a historical moment in a digestible linguistic form.
Linguists and lexicographers select a word that had a significant spike in usage or cultural relevance. The word might highlight a technological advancement, social issue, political shift, or viral moment. For instance, in years past, words like “climate emergency” or “toxic” were chosen, spotlighting the growing environmental and social consciousness.
Additionally, the Word of the Year helps raise awareness. When a word is thrust into the spotlight, people naturally become curious. They research its meaning, explore its origin, and consider its relevance. This curiosity helps deepen our collective understanding of not just language, but also of the issues we face.
From an educational standpoint, it’s also an opportunity to teach how language evolves with society. A single word can encapsulate emotions, crises, triumphs, and transformations. It becomes a kind of annual linguistic mirror, reflecting back who we were and what we went through.
4. How Is the Word of the Year Selected?
Selecting the Word of the Year is a meticulous process involving a blend of data analytics, cultural observation, and expert judgment. It’s not about choosing the catchiest term but rather identifying a word that experienced a meaningful surge in relevance and usage throughout the year. This process typically starts with linguistic databases, where lexicographers analyze millions of real-world word usages across online articles, search engines, and social media.
Advanced algorithms are used to detect spikes in word frequency. These spikes are then filtered for significance: Did the word rise because of a viral video, a global event, or a social movement? Was it sustained over months or just a momentary trend? Analysts cross-reference these findings with news headlines and cultural events to understand context.
Once a shortlist is developed, language experts step in to assess which word best represents the spirit of the year. This is the subjective part of the process, where cultural, emotional, and linguistic impact are all taken into account.
The final decision is not made lightly. It reflects not just what we said in 2023, but why we said it—and what it meant for the world around us.
5. Who Chooses the Word of the Year?
Several respected organizations select their own Word of the Year, and each one has its own criteria and process. The most notable ones include Oxford University Press, Merriam-Webster, Collins Dictionary, and Cambridge Dictionary. Each organization uses a combination of usage data, cultural relevance, and editorial judgment.
Oxford Languages often opens its selection to the public, allowing global voters to participate. Merriam-Webster, on the other hand, bases its decision heavily on search data from its online dictionary. Collins tends to focus on UK cultural events and media usage, while Cambridge gives importance to new language learners and how a term resonates with them.
Beyond dictionaries, other platforms like Twitter (now X), Reddit, and linguistic blogs also run unofficial polls and editorials on what word they feel defined the year. Though unofficial, these discussions contribute to the larger picture and help track public sentiment.
Ultimately, these selectors act as both archivists and cultural commentators, preserving linguistic history while guiding public awareness. Their choice doesn’t just tell us which word stood out—it tells us what mattered most.
6. Why 2023’s Word of the Year Matters
The Word of the Year 2023 is significant because it encapsulates the unique blend of optimism, anxiety, and transformation that defined the year. From global political shifts and climate urgency to AI breakthroughs and social justice movements, 2023 was a year of intense change. The chosen word reflects these changes in a relatable and human-centered way.
In times of crisis or innovation, language evolves rapidly. New terms are coined, old words are given new meanings, and societal focus shifts. The 2023 Word of the Year symbolizes how we’ve adapted—emotionally, technologically, and socially.
It also matters because words influence how we process events. They shape our understanding and can provide comfort or empowerment. By spotlighting a single word, we acknowledge its weight and invite collective reflection.
Whether you agree with the choice or not, it becomes a conversation starter—a chance to discuss, question, and connect over a shared cultural experience.
7. Oxford’s Word of the Year 2023
In 2023, Oxford Languages crowned the word “rizz” as its Word of the Year. Short for “charisma,” “rizz” became explosively popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, especially among Gen Z. It refers to someone’s ability to charm, flirt, or attract others—often used humorously or admiringly.
Oxford’s choice highlights how slang and internet culture are now central to language evolution. “Rizz” isn’t just a meme—it’s a reflection of how young people express confidence, attraction, and social interaction in the digital age.
Interestingly, “rizz” was selected by public vote, showcasing Oxford’s modern, inclusive approach to linguistic analysis. It beat out words like “situationship” and “prompt” (related to AI), both strong contenders reflecting 2023’s dominant themes.
By choosing “rizz,” Oxford reminds us that language doesn’t only come from newsrooms or boardrooms—it also comes from bedrooms, classrooms, and social feeds. It’s a celebration of the vibrancy and playfulness of modern communication.