In this ever changing world, the words we use are changing too. Dictionary.com just released their new word additions to keep in-stride with new language trends driven by social media and pop culture. You may not know any of these new words. But, if you have a teen living at home they probably do.
With emojis, snaps, texts, and tweets offering endless shortcuts for Gen Zs and millennials to quickly communicate what they want to say, the words they are using are also getting shorter.
Here are 7 new words and phrases added to Dictionary.com this year. Be warned! Using these words around your teen just might make you look a little bit cooler in their eyes.
Smurfing
What happens when a highly skilled video gamer plays under an alternate fake name against a lower-level player.
PARENT ALERT: Searches for “smurfing” increased over 1,000% this past summer.
Pangener
This is a person who defines themselves as having more than one gender.
PARENT ALERT: I actually talked about this one on the Family Strong with Jeffrey Dean Podcast a few months ago. Dictionary.com says word searches for “pangender” was recently up 553%.
Womyn
An alternate way of spelling women.
PARENT ALERT: This word is being used more and more by those wanting to avoid the perceived sexism in the suffix “-men.”
Smexy
A blending of the 2 words smart & sexy as a reference to someone who has brains and beauty.
PARENT ALERT: I’m going to call my wife smexy tonight!
Gender-fluid
Relating to a person whose gender identity or gender expression is not fixed and shifts over time or depending on the situation.
Hot Girl Summer
A phrase and meme about feeling confident in who you are.
PARENT ALERT: Originates from rapper Megan Thee Stallion aka Megan Pete who recently trademarked the phrase. If you don’t know about this rapper, Google her carefully. There are explicit lyrics in many of her songs.
Dox
To publish the private personal information of another person without the consent of that individual.
PARENT ALERT: Students often do this to embarrass, hurt, or retaliate another for being hurt by that person.
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Jeffrey Dean is an authority on the family and teen culture. Read his newest book, Raising Successful Teens, and learn how to help your child honor God and live wisely.
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