U.S. Oxford Word of the Year

2004

A young person with rather aggressive, loutish behavior.

calve

2005

A series of digital audio.

last

2006

A balance between absorbing and emitting a specific harmful chemical.

mutual

2007

A person whose diet consists only of locally grown or produced food.

more

2008

The practice of making adjustments to a vehicle or using driving techniques that will maximize the vehicle's fuel economy.

filing

2009

Remove from a list of friends or contacts on a social networking website.

bend

2010

To reject as untrue.

create

2011

The social group consisting of people whose income is too low to support them comfortably but not low enough to exempt them from higher tax rates or qualify for government assistance.

griddle

2012

A moving image expressing a reaction used on a computer, phone, or IPad.

cliff

2013

An image taken on a phone while it is pointed at you.

knee

2014

The inhale and exhale of a substance containing chemicals like nicotine; a type of e-cigarette.

cape

2015

An emoji with tears of joy. (It is an emoji.)

boy

2016

The widespread documentation of disputes over public truth claims.

booth

2017

A significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people.

make

2018

Very harmful or unpleasant in a pervasive or insidious way.

anoxic

2019

A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action.

urgency

2021

A biological preparation that provides active acquired immunity to a particular infectious or malignant disease.

backs

2022

A neologism for the rejection of societal expectations in a hedonistic manner without concern for one's self-image.

erode

2023

The ability to attract a romantic partner.

show biz

2024

Internet content of low value.

robot

2025

Online content deliberately designed to elicit anger by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive, typically posted in order to increase traffic to or engagement with a web page or social media account.

fate