A Lexicon of the Times: Dictionary.com's Summer Word Drop Reflects the Evolution of Language

Dictionary.com, the world's leading digital dictionary, has unveiled its Summer Word Drop, a collection of fresh and revised terms that encapsulate the dynamic nature of the English language. This update brings a diverse array of words from various fields, reflecting the latest trends and conversations taking place across the globe.

Capturing the Spirit of the Times

This latest update showcases a diverse range of entries, from environmentally conscious terms like “ambient temperature” and “cooling center” to slang expressions like “hot rodent man” and “dopamine dressing.” It also includes a selection of terms related to health and wellness, technology, and even British vernacular.

While some of these terms are entirely new to the dictionary, several entries have received newly revised definitions. For example, the term “brat” has been given a new sense, reflecting its recent rise in online communities and pop culture as a term embraced by those who defy norms and express themselves boldly.

“Language is a lot like people—always growing, changing and even picking up some delightful quirks along the way,” said Steve Johnson, Curriculum Design Manager of the Dictionary Media Group at IXL Learning. “By adding new and revised terms, we're ensuring our dictionary keeps pace with these changes to capture the spirit of our times and set the stage for tomorrow's conversations.”

Exploring Key Themes of the Summer Word Drop

Dictionary.com's expert lexicographers are continuously researching, documenting, and defining the words at the forefront of current trends and conversations. This summer's update highlights several key themes and words that have burst onto the scene or have steadily gained traction in recent months.

Warm Weather Words

This summer has brought rising temperatures, prompting new vocabulary to emerge reflecting our discussions about the environment and weather patterns. Terms like “gross zero”, “net zero”, and “zero carbon” have gained prominence, representing various strategies and ambitions for addressing carbon emissions. Other terms related to warm weather, like “cooling center” and “windshield survey,” also reflect the changing climate and our increasing awareness of its impact.

Hot Boy Summer

While 2022 saw “woman” named as the word of the year, this year's language landscape presents an intriguing trend: a playful reimagining of how we describe men. In online culture, traditionally feminine terms like “babygirl” are being playfully applied to men, while phrases like “dudebro” and the humorous “hot rodent man” blend masculinity with a knowing wink. This trend reflects a shift in gender norms and a playful exploration of language in online communities.

New Medical Terminology

The brain is a complex organ, and the recent addition of new medical terms highlights the evolving way we discuss hot topics like mental health and brain injuries. Terms like “chemo brain” and “premenstrual dysphoric disorder” emphasize the importance of language in discussing complex medical conditions as advancements in research and technology continue to expand our understanding of the human brain. These additions ensure that Dictionary.com remains a comprehensive resource for navigating the ever-evolving landscape of medical terminology.

A Continuously Evolving Lexicon

Dictionary.com's Summer Word Drop offers a fascinating glimpse into the ever-changing nature of language. It is a reminder that language is dynamic, reflecting the social, cultural, and technological trends of our times. As the world continues to evolve, so too will our language, and Dictionary.com will continue to serve as a vital resource for understanding and navigating this ever-changing lexicon.

Explore these and other new additions on Dictionary.com and stay tuned for the next word drop this winter!