Oxford Dictionaries names 'goblin mode' its word of the year
London (AP): Asked to sum up 2022 in a word, the public has chosen a phrase.
Oxford Dictionaries said Monday that "goblin mode" has been selected by online vote as its word of the year.
It defines the term as "a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations."
First seen on Twitter in 2009, "goblin mode" gained popularity in 2022 as people around the world emerged uncertainly from pandemic lockdowns.
"Given the year we've just experienced, goblin mode' resonates with all of us who are feeling a little overwhelmed at this point," said Oxford Languages President Casper Grathwohl.
The word of the year is intended to reflect "the ethos, mood, or preoccupations of the past twelve months." For the first time this year's winning phrase was chosen by public vote, from among three finalists selected by Oxford Languages lexicographers: goblin mode, metaverse and the hashtag IStandWith.
Despite being relatively unknown offline, goblin mode was the overwhelming favourite, winning 93% of the more than 340,000 votes cast.
The choice is more evidence of a world unsettled after years of pandemic turmoil, and by the huge changes in behaviour and politics brought by social media.
Last week Merriam-Webster announced that its word of the year is "gaslighting" psychological manipulation intended to make a person question the validity of their own thoughts.
In 2021 the Oxford word of the year was "vax" and Merriam-Webster's was "vaccine".
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M'luru: School physical education teacher’s body found under mysterious circumstances in well
Ullal: The body of a 51-year-old physical education teacher was found in a well at his residence in Kondana, under the limits of Kotekar town, on Friday evening.
The deceased has been identified as Prabhakar Jogi, who was serving as a physical education teacher at the Government School in Kallarakodi, Naringana village. Police suspect that he may have died by suicide, allegedly due to health-related issues.
According to police, Prabhakar had dropped his daughter at Uchila School earlier in the day for the school anniversary programme and returned home.
He was later preparing to attend the same event along with his wife and son, when he suddenly went missing. A search was launched by family members, following which his body was found in the well located at his house.
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Police said that Prabhakar Jogi was reportedly suffering from a neurological disorder. He had served in several schools across Ullal taluk and was actively involved in organisations of physical education teachers.
Ullal police visited the spot, conducted an inspection and sent the body for post-mortem examination.
In his complaint to the police, Prabhakar’s son, Sai Tejas, stated that his father had jumped into the well and that there was no suspicion surrounding the death.
Based on the complaint, a case has been registered and further investigation is underway.
