Modern words!!
English language is the most universal language in history. To enjoy and learn from what you read you must understand the meaning of the words a writer uses. Vocabulary is a matter of word-building as well as word-using and only few activities are as delightful as learning new vocabulary. Now not everything can be taught in the classroom – that’s why I’ve put together a list of 10 newer English words and figures of speech for you to sprinkle into your English conversations:
Earworm: A song or tune that is stuck in your head. Ex: That new Selena Gomez song is such an earworm!
Bitcoin: An electronic currency that can be transferred securely without the need of a third party (such as a bank or PayPal)
Binge-watch: Watching multiple episodes of a TV show, one after another, in a single sitting. Usually with a DVD box set or using online streaming. Use it: I'm planning to binge-watch the entire series of Game of Thrones this weekend!
E-Quaintance: A person only 'known' through online networking.
Meh: A word you could use to describe your lack of interest or indifference. It is basically a verbal shrug. Use it: The play was a bit meh.
Crowdfunding: Funding a project or business venture by asking a large number of people (typically online) to invest a small amount of money. Use it: We raised enough money to launch our business using crowdfunding.
Affluenza: It’s a blend of 'affluence' and 'influenza'. A social disease resulting from extreme materialism and excessive consumerism. Earning more money and consuming more can lead to overwork, debt, stress and anxiety.
Staycation: Spending your holiday in your hometown rather than travelling abroad. Often spent relaxing around the house or doing activities in the local area. Use it: I'm having a staycation this summer, as I’m trying to save money.
Weblish: A form of English that is used on the web (use of abbreviations, acronyms, small letters, absence of punctuation and hyphens etc.) Also known as: webspeak, netspeak, internetese. Ex- CUL8R, LUV, GR8 etc.
Webisode: An episode or series created exclusively for online viewing. This can be part of a web series or used to promote a television series. Use it: There’s a new Breaking Bad webisode online, have you seen it?
Lookalike: Something or someone that closely resembles something else, often used to describe someone who looks very similar to a celebrity. Use it: Have you seen the Prince William and Kate Middleton lookalikes over there?
Handover: The act of passing over control or responsibility to another person while you are off work on holiday or leaving a job. Use it: I’ll send my notes in a handover email so you can continue the project while I’m away.