word of the year

Etymology Corner – Collins Word of the Year 2017

Collins Language has announced the 2017 Word of the Year shortlist, identifying ten words that had emerged or come to prominence during the course of the year. Here we trace the often shadowy origins of five of the words and show how they rose to become prominent in news, politics,… Read More

‘Fake news’, ‘Insta’ & ‘Unicorn’ – Lucy Mangan’s take on #CollinsWOTY 2017

Fear not the dull days between All Hallows’ Eve and Guy Fawkes Night! The Collins’ Word of the Year award is here to spice up the festive interregnum! Although, in the interests of full disclosure, I thought it was going to take me most of the interval just to work… Read More

Collins 2017 Word of the Year Shortlist

Fake news has been announced as the Collins Word of the Year 2017. Discover the rest of the words in this year’s shortlist. Fake news noun: false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting Antifa noun: (1) a antifascist organization (2) a… Read More

Collins Word of the Year 2016 Q & A

What is Collins’ Word of the Year? Collins’ Word of the Year is a word that our lexicographers have identified as having been notably more visible in the last year. It may be a brand new word or an existing one that has seen its popularity increase because of current… Read More

‘Brexit’, ‘Hygge’ and ‘mic drop’ – Lucy Mangan’s take on Collins Word of the Year 2016

My goodness – is it that time of year already? It is! It is indeed already time to unveil the 2016 shortlist and winner of the coveted title Collins Word of the Year. First on the list of contenders is hygge (pronounced a bit like hoo-gah, a… Read More

Etymology Corner – Collins Word of the Year 2016

Brexit Surely the most significant event in British politics for many years occurred on 23 June 2016 when voters decided that Britain should leave the European Union. Even before departure from the EU became a reality, a new word had been coined to describe the act: Brexit. Brexit was… Read More

Top 10 Collins Words of the Year 2016

Brexit has been named Collins Word of the Year 2016 thanks to a dramatic increase in usage. Here’s the words that made the top 10 list: BrexitThe withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union HyggeA concept, originating… Read More

Collins Word of the Year 2015 Q & A

What is Collins’ Word of the Year? Collins’ Word of the Year is a word that our lexicographers have identified as having been notably more visible in the last year. It may be a brand new word or an existing one that has seen its popularity increase because of current… Read More

Etymology Corner – ‘Dadbod’

To celebrate Collins Word of the Year 2015, we explore the etymology of ‘Dadbod’.   Dads have something of an image problem in the English language. The word ‘father’ tends to signify wisdom and respectability in expressions such as ‘father figure’ (a person you can turn to for advice, guidance,… Read More