Oxford Dictionaries names ‘goblin mode’ its word of the year
- Describing ‘unapologetically self-indulgent’ and slovenly behaviour, the term captured mood of those rejecting return to ‘normal life’ as Covid rules eased
- The phrase beat out contenders ‘metaverse’ and ‘#IStandWith’ in the publisher’s inaugural public vote for the accolade
“Goblin mode” – a slang term to describe “unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy” behaviour – has won an inaugural public vote for word of the year, Oxford University Press said on Monday.
Typically used in the expressions “in goblin mode” or “to go goblin mode”, it crushed two other contenders – “metaverse” and “#IStandWith” – shortlisted by Oxford lexicographers for the annual accolade.
The phrase went viral on social media in February and then spread into newspapers and magazines, according to Oxford University Press, which publishes the Oxford English Dictionary and announces its yearly winner.
The victorious word or expression should reflect the “ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the past twelve months, one that has potential as a term of lasting cultural significance,” it noted.
Previous words of the year include “vax” (2021), “climate emergency” (2019) and “selfie” (2013).