Oxford Dictionaries 2013 Word of the Year Is Selfie

[LauraM]

Oxford Dictionaries just announced that their 2013 "Word of the Year" is "selfie."

They note that the frequency of the use of the word has risen steadily since 2012, and especially so this year. 

Interestingly, the word dates back to 2002.  They documented the first use of the term online was on a forum back then, 11 years ago.  It's just been recently that we've seen the word everywhere and, no doubt used it.  And, no doubt, taken selfies, too!

The full article is here.  It's a good read.

http://blog.oxforddictionaries.com/2013/11/word-of-the-year-2013-winner/

What do you think of their choice?  Do you think "selfie" deserves to be "word of the year?"  If not what word would you pick?

[scottman]

Makes sense. It's a new word, applicable to any technology with a camera. Widely used.

[MyDigitalpoint]

Personally this is the first time I heard or read about "selfie" so I definitely wouldn't chose such a word.

I have heard more often "thingie" and this would be my word of choice

[JayGould]

A lot of slang words that kids my age use tend to slip into the dictionary nowadays, as someone who loves the language I'm happy that it's growing and developing still (so it doesn't die out) but I'm also torn by the fact that it's the word "selfie"...

[SpiralArchitect]

It sounds extremely stupid and seems like the kind of word championed by kids on social networks. So, yeah it makes sense that it is the word of the year. Its not like that thing amounts to anything.

[erronousRogue]

I... ugh. Given that a "word of the year" award doesn't mean a thing, but still. Come on people. It's not even the most popular "Facebook slang", especially in 2013.

[Baburra]

I'm not surprised, it's pretty catchy and it does hold some significance to portraying current culture. Not my favorite word ever invented, but it was an alright choice nonetheless, IMO.

[linguaholic]

Selfie? It's a little bit embarassing but I don't know what this means exactly. Could you explain please? Thank you!

[ollie]

Selfie? It's a little bit embarassing but I don't know what this means exactly.

Those people you see holding their cell phones out pointed at themselves while they take a picture? That's a selfie. Short for self-portrait.

[linguaholic]

oh, ok I got it now. Thanks a lot! :grin:

[gegegeno]

Australia's previous Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, is somewhat famous for the selfies he would regularly post on social media, especially Twitter.

It got to the point where some people were referring to him as the "selfie PM" and was even brought up (usually by his opponents) in parliamentary debates.

It's a real shame that the word of the year wasn't announced sooner; he only left politics the other day!

[Kotro]

Really wanted to share today's Dinosaur Comic (which has amazing takes on the English language and storytelling - go read it), but wasn't sure where to do so. This topic seems like the most appropriate.

http://www.qwantz.com/index.php?comic=2532

[thekernel]

I'd scorn Oxford Dictionaries for this, but I know they've included silly buzz words and catch phrases for years. Helps keep people interested in their work I guess. But I don't consider it anything but slang.

[Hardison]

It's a fairly new word to me. It seems more like slang to me. I don't even like the word sounds. So, now I wouldn't choose it as the 2013 Word of the Year. I don't know what I would choose in it's place though.

It is a sign of how much social media influences modern culture and language. 

[gegegeno]

Well, language is always changing with time. Dictionaries aren't meant to be the gatekeepers of what is "real English", but to document the usage of words.

"Computer" was a new word of the 20th century, but I doubt anyone was complaining about the death of the English language over that one being included in the Oxford Dictionary. If "selfie" is a new word of the 21st century, and is used regularly by speakers of English (which it is, at least by young people), then I believe that it qualifies for inclusion in English dictionaries.

[GetFresh]

I don't even consider this word an actual word. It looks and sounds stupid. I'm not going to lie, I have taken numerous "selfies".

[JoanMcWench]

I'd scorn Oxford Dictionaries for this, but I know they've included silly buzz words and catch phrases for years. Helps keep people interested in their work I guess. But I don't consider it anything but slang.

That was exactly what I was thinking. Having popular nonsensical words win a not so popular but equally nonsensical award might just give that award and those responsible for the award a piece of the popularity.

[Monox D. I-Fly]

I remember when watching Power Rangers Dino Charge and Tyler (the Red Ranger) took a selfie underground near lava while dying and sent it to his teammates. After he came back safe, her girlfriend Shelby (the Pink Ranger) called him out "Did you just take a selfie there?". I checked the fandom not long after the episode ended and found some of them surprised, "Did I just hear the word 'selfie' on Power Rangers?".

[linguaholic]

20 hours ago, Monox D. I-Fly said:

I remember when watching Power Rangers Dino Charge and Tyler (the Red Ranger) took a selfie underground near lava while dying and sent it to his teammates. After he came back safe, her girlfriend Shelby (the Pink Ranger) called him out "Did you just take a selfie there?". I checked the fandom not long after the episode ended and found some of them surprised, "Did I just hear the word 'selfie' on Power Rangers?".

hahaha. funny story!