14 Popular Words 2023 That You Have Often Heard

Every year comes with its trends and new words that everyone starts using. They are usually picked up from popular culture or may be new due to changes in technology or society. With a plethora of events happening throughout the year, there are bound to be plenty of popular words 2023 and phrases that enter our vocabulary. To help you stay ahead of the curve, we have prepared 14 words you probably have already heard.

Where Do New Words Come From

Every day, people create new words. Some of these might just be slang used by a small group of friends and never heard again. However, some of these have grown so well-known that they are now used frequently and are part of everyone’s vocabulary. Other sources of new words for 2023 include the following:

• Technology. As technology advances, there will be new terms to describe the latest gadgets and trends. For example, in recent years, we have seen the rise of terms like “Wi-Fi” and “Bluetooth.”
• Society. With changing social norms, new terms describe these changes. For instance, with more people working remotely, we now see “telecommuting” and “work-from-home” being used more frequently.
• Popular culture. With the popularity of certain celebrities or TV shows, new words could be derived from these. For example, the “selfie” was popularized by Kim Kardashian and has since been used by most people worldwide.
• Global events. With major events happening worldwide, new words will be associated with them. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have heard terms such as “social distancing” and “flattening the curve.”

These are the general sources of where new words come from. It is important to note that not all of them will be accepted by everyone, and some might even disappear after a while. Nonetheless, knowing the popular words and their meanings is still interesting.

Word of The Year 2023 List: 13 Words You Probably Heard This Year

This section will introduce you to popular words that are big throughout 2023. You might have heard some of these before, but we will also explain their meaning and usage so you can use them daily.

1. Permacrisis

It is a new word for 2023 that has been created to describe the current state of the world. It combines the words “permanent” and “crisis.” It refers to the idea that we are now in a permanent crisis due to environmental, economic, and political problems.

As the world seems increasingly chaotic, this word encapsulates the feeling of unease and anxiety many people experience. It’s a way of acknowledging that we have problems and that they might not be solved any time soon.

2. Warm Bank

A warm bank is a word of 2023 used to describe a heated building or area where people can escape the cold weather. Due to astronomical heating bills and the increasing cost of living, more and more people are looking for ways to save money. One way to do this is by using a warm bank instead of turning on the heating at home. It can be a space in a public building, such as a library or community center, that is kept warm for people to use.

3. Nomophobia

Nomophobia is the fear of being without your mobile phone or losing connectivity. It could be due to a dead battery, being in an area with no reception, or simply not having your phone on you. As we rely more on our phones for day-to-day tasks, it is not surprising that this fear is becoming more common.

If you suffer from nomophobia, you might experience anxiety or panic when you can’t use your phone. In severe cases, it can impact your productivity and social life.

4. Finfluencer

In the past few years, we have seen the rise of social media influencers. These people have a large following on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. They usually promote products or brands through sponsored posts or endorsements.

A finfluencer is similar to a regular influencer, but their focus is on financial matters such as investing, saving money, and personal finance. Finfluencers offer advice and tips on how to manage your finances better. Given the current economic climate, it is no surprise that financially-focused content is becoming more popular, and finfluencer is one of the popular words in 2023.

5. Metaverse

This word has been gaining popularity recently and is predicted to be even bigger in the future. A metaverse refers to a virtual world that people can interact with using avatars. It is similar to a video game but includes social media and augmented reality elements. The most popular metaverse right now is “Second Life,” but there are many other emerging ones.

With the rise of virtual reality and augmented reality technology, the metaverse is becoming more realistic and accessible. People are predicted to spend more time in the metaverse than in the real world in the future.

6. NFT

NFT is short for “non-fungible token.” It is a digital asset that represents something unique and cannot be replaced by another identical item. NFTs are often used to represent art, music, or other creative works but can also be used for collectibles, gaming items, and more.

The popularity of NFTs has been increasing in recent months, with more people and businesses starting to use them. For example, popular social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram have announced that they will start supporting NFTs. 

7. Web3

Web3 is one of the most popular words for 2023. The term “Web3” is used to describe the next generation of the internet, which is predicted to be more decentralized than the current web. It means that there will be less control by large corporations and institutions; instead, power will lie in the hands of individuals.

With Web 3.0, users will have greater control over their data and privacy. There are also plans for this new web to be more accessible for people with disabilities. In 2023, Web3 is becoming more popular as we move away from the centralized internet.

8. Staycation

A staycation is a vacation that you take at home. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have been forced to take staycations due to travel restrictions. A staycation can be as simple as taking a break from work and relaxing at home or doing tourist activities in your city. It is a great way to unwind without spending a lot of money.

9. JOMO

Pronounced as “joy-moh,” this term stands for the “joy of missing out.” It is the opposite of FOMO (fear of missing out) and describes the feeling of contentment with staying in and doing your own thing. If you are happy with your current situation and have no desire to participate in what others are doing, then you are experiencing JOMO.

10. Virtual Fashion

With fashion brands moving online and social media rising, virtual fashion is becoming more and more popular. Virtual fashion refers to clothes or styles produced and seen solely in the virtual world. It can be through video games, social media, or virtual reality.

The trend started with video games like “The Sims,” where players could dress their avatars (virtual characters) in designed clothes. Now, we are seeing social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok being used to show off virtual fashion. With the popularity of these platforms, virtual fashion is predicted to become more mainstream in the following years.

11. Sportswashing

Sportswashing is when corporations or countries use sports to improve their image. It could be done by sponsoring a team, building stadiums, or hosting major sporting events.

Sportswashing has grown in popularity recently because it works well to divert attention away from unfavorable news coverage. For example, in 2022, Qatar will be hosting the FIFA World Cup. It is despite reports of poor working conditions for migrant workers and human rights abuses.

12. Cannamoms

This term is short for “Cannabis moms” and refers to mothers who use cannabis. The term has become more popular in 2023 as cannabis has been legalized in more states and has become more socially acceptable.

Cannamoms are usually stay-at-home moms who use cannabis to relax or manage stress. Some even claim that cannabis has helped them be better mothers, improving their mood and energy levels.

13. Social media detox

A social media detox is also among the popular words of 2022. It is when someone breaks from using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. It could be for a day, a week, or even longer.

The reason why people might want to do this is because of the negative effects that social media can have on mental health. These include anxiety, depression, and feelings of loneliness or isolation.

14. Hangry

Everyone knows how it feels to have your hunger turn into a rage. Hangry combines the words “hungry” and “angry.” It describes the feeling of being so hungry that you become angry or irritable. Many people experience this daily, especially if they skip meals or eat irregularly.

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How to Keep Up with Popular 2023 Words

Most people want to be in the know and use the latest words to sound up-to-date. However, tracking all the new phrases and terms that come out every year can be difficult. If you’re finding it hard to stay updated, here are some tips:

• Pay attention to popular culture. It includes TV shows, movies, music, books, and celebrities. These are usually at the forefront of using new terminology.
• Listen to people around you. Pay attention to the language that your friends, family, coworkers, and strangers use. You might even pick up some new slang this way.
• Use social media. Social media is a great platform to see what words are frequently used. Twitter, in particular, is known for being a trendsetter when it comes to language.
• Check out online resources. Many websites and blogs compile a list of popular words. Reading these can help you stay updated on the latest terms. For instance, the Urban Dictionary website is a great place to look up new slang.

With these recommendations, you can easily keep up with popular words and sound modern and trendy. Be sure to use these words sparingly, though, as overusing them might make you sound not genuine.

Tips for Mastering New English Vocabulary

Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the 2022 word of the year list, let’s look at how to learn all the new terms you come across. Actually, If you learn English as a second language, mastering new vocabulary can be daunting. You might feel like you are constantly playing catch-up and can never keep up with the ever-changing English language. Don’t worry; we have compiled some tips to help you in your journey to master new vocabulary. The task will become easier with dedication and eventually second nature to you.

Pay attention to the context

If you come across a new term in the list of words for 2022, pay attention to the context. It will give you a better understanding of its meaning and how it can be applied in different situations. Additionally, it will improve your pronunciation because various situations may cause some words to sound differently when pronounced.

Use visual aids

When learning new vocabulary, try to find pictures or videos that show the word in use. It will help create a mental association between the newly learned term and its visual representation, making it easier for you to remember.

Form sentences with new words

A great way to see if you have truly understood the meaning of a new word is by using it in a sentence. Try to make as many sentences as possible with the new vocabulary and say them out loud. Not only will this help ingrain the meaning of the words in your memory, but it will also aid your pronunciation.

Take advantage of technology

In this day and age, many different apps and websites can help you learn new vocabulary. These tools often use games and quizzes to help make learning more fun and interactive. For example, platforms like Quizlet are great for practicing new vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.

Learning English Words of 2023 with Promova

Learning a new language can be tough, especially when memorizing new words and terms. Many people give up before they even start because they become overwhelmed with new information. However, with a well-structured study plan and the right tools, studying a language will be fun and easy!

Promova is a learning platform that provides students with efficient and effective tools to help them learn any language quickly. We provide classes taught by experienced native speakers who will help you understand the nuances and culture behind the language. Whether you want to learn for business or pleasure, we can tailor your learning plan.

With our app for mobile devices, learning new vocabulary is now more convenient than ever. You can access lessons and review materials anywhere, anytime! Plus, the app includes various games and quizzes to help you review what you have learned in a fun and interactive way.

Conclusion

It is our word of the year list 2023. It is interesting to see how new terms come about and how they enter common usage. Some terms, such as permacrisis and warm bank, describe the current state of the world. Others indicate trends becoming more popular, such as virtual fashion and NFTs. And finally, some words describe emotions or experiences that we can all relate to, such as nomophobia and hangry. While some might disappear after a while, others might become part of our everyday vocabulary.