111: Words of the Week of the Year 2024 (live with Mignon Fogarty and friends)
Dec 21, 2024
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Mignon Fogarty, the Grammar Girl and Podcasting Hall of Fame inductee, joins a lively discussion about the words of the year. They explore generational language differences and cultural influences on contemporary terms. From the significance of ‘brat’ to the role of memes, the conversation highlights how language reflects societal trends. Personal anecdotes and playful games reveal the fascinating connections between words and their evolving meanings, all while celebrating patron support and community engagement.
The podcast explores the societal resonance of 'Words of the Year' and the divergence of opinions on their validity and meaning.
Cultural appropriation and generational differences in language use reveal how terms evolve and shift across community contexts and identities.
The discussion showcases the implications of buzzwords like 'brat' and 'manifest,' highlighting their cultural roots and societal responsibilities.
Deep dives
The Nature of Words of the Year
The podcast discusses the concept of 'Words of the Year' and how it attracts various opinions, particularly surrounding multi-word phrases like 'Words of the Year' versus single words. It examines the tension that often exists between linguistic purists and pop culture enthusiasts regarding these evolving expressions. Listeners express mixed feelings about the validity of certain designated words, with some seeing them as fleeting trends rather than enduring terms. The conversation highlights the critical reflection required to evaluate why certain words resonate socially in any given year.
Generational Linguistic Trends
Ben Ainsley shares his observations on generational differences in language use, particularly how younger students appropriate terms originally from marginalized cultures. He notes a cycle where words and phrases like certain slang evolve through layers of cultural identity, moving from their origin into mainstream use, often stripped of context. The discussion touches on the phenomenon of cultural appropriation and the responsibility that comes with language use in a diverse classroom setting. This reflects broader societal issues regarding respect, ownership, and the evolution of language across generations.
The Evolution of 'Brat' Culture
One word that has sparked interest is 'brat,' which, as defined in the episode, signifies a confident and independent attitude among youth, particularly as popularized by artists like Charlie XCX. The conversation explores the word's origins within various subcultures, including its connection to kink communities, where a 'brat' might be seen as a playful or cheeky submissive. This exploration illustrates how language can reflect broader cultural dynamics and shifts in societal norms, particularly in youth culture. The discussion showcases how words can evolve in meaning and connotation over time, often influenced by music and popular media.
Skepticism Towards 'Manifest' Culture
The term 'manifest' garners debate as it relates to the concept of manifesting one's desires into reality, often promoted by influencers and celebrities. Critics argue that this oversimplifies the complexities of achieving goals and can lead to victim-blaming if one’s aspirations go unfulfilled. Reflecting on its rise in popularity, the panel discusses how the notion can serve as a distraction from systemic issues that require structural change. They weigh the concept's potential benefits against its dangers in fostering unrealistic expectations and promoting individualism over communal, societal responsibility.
Reflections on Current Linguistic Trends
The episode presents a lively analysis of various words nominated for 'Word of the Year,' illustrating the fluidity of language in political and social contexts. The term 'sane-washing,' which refers to the normalization of bizarre political pronouncements, emerges as a compelling phrase highlighting media and public discourse. Additionally, the panel discusses the implications of terms like 'AI slop,' which encapsulate the low-quality content prevalent on social media platforms. These contemporary negative trends prompt listeners to consider their linguistic choices and the consequences of digital communication in modern society.
The Intersection of Language and Culture
A significant topic in the episode is the interplay between language and culture, especially how community experiences shape linguistic evolution. The hosts discuss specific examples of how cultural practices and societal expectations influence language, such as coffee shop culture fostering community interaction. This relates to the broader theme of 'third spaces'—settings outside home and work—which are essential for community-building. The episode encourages a deeper appreciation for the words we choose and the cultural narratives they carry.
It's our Words of the Year episode, where we do a vibe check on all the words and name one of them our Because Language Word of the Year. We're joined by Grammar Girl Mignon Fogarty and a lot of friends and supporters. It's going to be weird. It's going to be brat. You know we're going to eat that.
Timestamps
Cold open: 0:00
Intros: 0:54
All the words from everywhere: 10:58
Related or Not: 43:28
Words from Mignon and James: 58:50
Our Words of the Week of the Year: 1:13:23
The Reads: 1:33:40
Outtakes: 1:39:29
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