There are some timely and topical words running through our selection of new words this month.
Three words, bothsidesism, infodemic and zombie fact have links to public discourse. Bothsidesism, or false balance, is when the media gives equal footing to two sides of an unequal argument, for example on climate change or vaccinations. An infodemic is an excess of available information makes finding credible sources difficult. Social media feeds during the coronavirus epidemic are a prime example of an infodemic. Then there is a zombie fact, a theory that won’t go away even when disproven. Perhaps infodemics might even contribute to the creation of zombie facts.
COVID-19 is the official name given the coronavirus that originated in China at the end of 2019. It’s good to stay optimisitic but forcing yourself into a positive, happy mood regardless of the situation, to the point of denying your real emotions is described as toxic positivity.
On a different note, hench is a word used to describe fit and muscular men.
How many of the below words do you think merit a place in The Macquarie Dictionary?
Let us know if you have any other suggestions. We are always happy to hear new words, no matter how big or small a usage they may have. Be sure to vote for some of these when we post them on our Instagram stories.
See other words suggested to the Macquarie Dictionary here.
