Issue 286 - The evolution of language: Slang and new words in 2024

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Vocabulary: Terms, slang and phrases

Look and listen to words with similar meanings.

 

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The evolution of language: Slang and new words in 2024

Listen to the podcast and read.

The evolution of language: Slang and new words in 2024

Language is a living thing. It evolves as time passes. The year 2024 has been no exception. This year, more slang and new words have emerged, reflecting how culture is changing. From the latest trends in technology to changes in social dynamics, these additions to language are fascinating and fun.

One example from 2024 is "finfluencer"—a combination of "finance" and "influencer." This term describes individuals who use social media to share financial advice.

Another term that is becoming popular is "frogging". It refers to the act of frequently switching between different tasks, apps, or conversations without focusing on any one thing for too long. It’s a reference to our digital, multitasking lifestyles, where our attention is like a frog hopping from lily pad to lily pad.

On the topic of sustainability, "climate-anxious" has become a common phrase, describing concern over environmental problems. This term describes the anxiety many people feel about climate change and the future of our planet.

These examples show how language adapts to reflect our experiences. As we come to the end of 2024, it’s exciting to see how these words shape the way we communicate and understand the world around us. Whether you're a "finfluencer" or you are "frogging" through the day, these new words remind us that language is dynamic, like the times we live in.

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Intermediate

 

The evolution of language: Slang and new words in 2024

Listen to the podcast and read. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

The evolution of language: Slang and new words in 2024

Language is a living, breathing thing that evolves with the times, and 2024 has been no exception. This year, more slang and new words have emerged, reflecting how the cultural landscape changes. From the latest trends in technology to changes in social dynamics, these linguistic innovations are fascinating and fun.

One example that stands out in 2024 is "finfluencer"—a combination of "finance" and "influencer." This term describes individuals who use social media to share financial advice, stock tips, and investment strategies. They often influence the decisions of their followers.

Another term that is becoming popular is "frogging". It refers to the act of frequently switching between different tasks, apps, or conversations without focusing on any one thing for too long. It’s a reference to our increasingly digital, multitasking lifestyles, where our attention spans sometimes resemble that of a frog hopping from lily pad to lily pad.

On the topic of sustainability, "climate-anxious" has become a common phrase, describing the growing concern over environmental issues. This term describes the anxiety many people feel about climate change and the future of our planet. This demonstrates the connection between language and global awareness.

These examples show how language adapts to reflect our experiences. As we come to the end of 2024, it’s exciting to see how these words shape the way we communicate and understand the world around us. Whether you're a "finfluencer" or you are "frogging" through the day, these new additions to our lexicon remind us that language is as dynamic as the times we live in.

Now answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Comprehension: Check your understanding

Choose the correct option.

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Advanced

 

The evolution of language: Slang and new words in 2024

Listen to the podcast and read. Then answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

The evolution of language: Slang and new words in 2024

Language is a living, breathing entity that evolves with the times, and 2024 has been no exception. This year, we've seen a fresh crop of slang and new words emerge, reflecting the ever-changing cultural landscape. From the latest trends in technology to shifts in social dynamics, these linguistic innovations are as fascinating as they are fun.

One of the standout words of 2024 is "finfluencer"—a blend of "finance" and "influencer." This term describes individuals who use social media to share financial advice, stock tips, and investment strategies, often influencing the decisions of their followers. With more people taking an interest in personal finance, this term captures the zeitgeist of a generation keen on taking control of their financial futures.

Another term that's gaining traction is "frogging"—a quirky expression that’s hopped into the spotlight. It refers to the act of frequently switching between different tasks, apps, or conversations without focusing on any one thing for too long. It’s a playful nod to our increasingly digital, multitasking lifestyles, where our attention spans sometimes resemble that of a frog hopping from lily pad to lily pad. By the way, “frogging” appears to have various different meanings these days. It is also a term used in knitting and crocheting, refering to the act of undoing, or unravelling a knitted project.

In the realm of sustainability, "climate-anxious" has become a common phrase, describing the growing concern over environmental issues. This term encapsulates the anxiety many people feel about climate change and the future of our planet, highlighting the intersection of language and global awareness.

These examples show how language adapts to capture the essence of our collective experiences. As we approach the end of 2024, it’s exciting to see how these words—and the ones yet to come—shape the way we communicate and understand the world around us. Whether you're a "finfluencer" or find yourself "frogging" through the day, these new additions to our lexicon remind us that language is as dynamic as the times we live in.

Now answer the questions in the Comprehension section.

Comprehension: Check your understanding

Choose the correct option.

Interview: listen to more about the topic

Think about your answers to the following questions. Then listen to somebody answering the same questions. Were your answers similar?

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