In a year defined by technological advancements and social change, Merriam-Webster has named “authentic” as the Word of the Year for 2023. This choice reflects a growing societal emphasis on authenticity in an era marked by deepfakes, AI proliferation, and shifting truths.
2023 saw a notable “crisis of authenticity,” where the boundaries between real and artificial became increasingly blurred. In a world where trust in what we see and hear is eroding, the concept of authenticity has gained paramount importance.
The role of technology
The year was dominated by advancements in artificial intelligence and the transformation of social media, exemplified by Elon Musk’s influence on Twitter, referred to as “Twitter into X.” This shift in how social media platforms are used has further heightened discussions about authenticity.
“Authentic” in various contexts
The term “authentic” resonated across diverse contexts throughout the year. From “authentic cuisine” and “authentic voice” to the quest for one’s “authentic self,” the word was frequently used to describe the pursuit of genuineness.
Merriam-Webster’s definition of “Authentic”
Merriam-Webster defines “authentic” as “not false or imitation: real, actual,” and “true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character.” The term also conveys being “worthy of acceptance or belief as conforming to or based on fact” and “conforming to an original so as to reproduce essential features.”
The year’s top words
While “authentic” claimed the top spot, several other words attracted significant attention in 2023:
RIZZ
A slang term referring to “romantic appeal or charm,” which gained popularity and found its way into Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary.
KIBBUTZ
Lookups surged after Hamas militants attacked kibbutzim near the Gaza Strip, leading to increased interest in the term, which refers to a communal farm or settlement in Israel.
IMPLODE
Following the implosion of the Titan submersible during a Titanic wreckage exploration expedition, the word “implode,” meaning “to burst inward,” saw a significant spike in lookups.
DEADNAME
With increased legislation aimed at curtailing LGBTQ+ rights, interest grew in the term “deadname,” which refers to the name that a transgender person was given at birth and no longer uses upon transitioning.
DOPPELGANGER
This word, meaning “a double,” “alter ego,” or “ghostly counterpart,” gained attention due to its usage in Naomi Klein’s book and discussions about the complexities of modern life.
CORONATION
King Charles III’s coronation led to a substantial increase in lookups for this term, which refers to the act or occasion of crowning.
DEEPFAKE
As deepfake videos and AI manipulation of images and recordings became more prevalent, lookups for “deepfake” spiked.
DYSTOPIAN
Interest in the term “dystopian” grew, driven by concerns about climate chaos and its use in entertainment, including books, movies, and TV shows.
COVENANT
Following a mass shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee, lookups for “covenant” surged. The term refers to a formal, solemn, and binding agreement.
The selection of “authentic” as the Word of the Year for 2023 reflects a yearning for truth and genuineness in an age of technological complexity and information manipulation. It underscores the importance of authenticity in our interactions, communications, and understanding of the world. In this ever-evolving linguistic landscape, words continue to shape and reflect the challenges and aspirations of society.
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