Some conversational new words have finally become official. Language is always changing and evolving, and as time goes on, lots of new slang pops up. Some experts are in charge of keeping up to date with new meanings and slang terms. Thanks to this, some terms commonly used by Gen Z people have been added to The Macquarie Dictionary.
The New Words Included in Macquarie Dictionary
Menty-b, the ick, goblin mode, bachelor’s handbag, cozzie, situationship, and Barbiecore are among the new additions. If you aren’t familiar with them, here are some of their meanings.
Goblin mode describes when a person embraces “indolence and slovenliness.” Menty-b is a short way of saying a mental breakdown (is anyone else concerned that this needs a slang term?). The ick is the feeling you get when your partner says or does something that immediately puts you off. The ick can be big things, like mistreating service staff, or little things, like toes of different lengths.
Language Reflects Social Trends
Macquarie’s managing editor shared that ultimately, the dictionary’s purpose is to represent language being used in Australian English at the time, which is why these terms are being added to the dictionary’s ninth edition.
The editor also felt that people like to play around with language and find more lighthearted ways to talk about heavy or serious topics, which makes sense when you think about the term “menty-b.” We can’t wait to see how language continues to change as time goes on.