Macquarie Dictionary has revealed Australia’s word of the year, while a quintessential Aussie staple has taken home the people’s choice word.
The 2022 word of the year is… Teal!
Teal is defined as “a political candidate who holds generally ideologically moderate views but who supports strong action regarding environmental and climate action policies and the prioritising of integrity in politics”.
The dictionary’s Committee says the word is an emblem of Australia’s political landscape in 2022.
“Teal embodies the year that’s been, and truth-telling is the year that’s to come – let’s hope that’s the case,” the committee says.
“They’re both really important concepts, central to Australian culture and politics. It’s not a brand-new word, but it is a brand-new sense that no-one saw coming.”
IMAGE: Macquarie Dictionary
This year’s ‘People’s Choice Word’ has given a nod to the iconic Aussie hot cook – with ‘Bachelor’s Handbag’ winning the top spot.
Macquarie Dictionary says the word received a record-breaking number of votes and passionate discussions online from all walks of Australian life.
“Bachelor’s handbag is a funny, clever coinage – so quintessentially Australian, summing up the role of a BBQ chook perfectly.”
The Macquarie Dictionary 2022 People's Choice Word of the Year is "bachelor's handbag". We think this word is a funny, clever coinage. Australians flocked in droves to vote it into the top spot! See more here: https://t.co/MhokcUDAhV pic.twitter.com/jDgglU9lA9
— Macquarie Dictionary (@MacqDictionary) November 28, 2022
The first runner up for Word of the Year is ‘truth-telling’, while honourable mentions went to ‘spicy cough’ and ‘goblin mode’.
“COVID continues to provide a source for new words, and spicy cough follows the trend in Australian English of treating serious issues with humour and informality,”
As for ‘goblin mode’, the committee says the meaning is not immediately obvious, but once decoded, it’s perfect.
“After the enforced isolation of lockdowns, it seems that we are now deliberately setting aside time for the unexpected joys of goblin mode.”
