AI takes the spotlight: Collins Dictionary’s word of the year

As we turn the page on the calendar and step into a new year, ‘AI’ claims the spotlight as Collins Dictionary’s word of the year 2023, beckoning us to explore the ever-changing landscape of technological innovation

CREDIT: This is an edited version of an article that originally appeared on Puzzles HQ

As the buzz around ‘AI’ permeates our daily lives, it’s not merely a buzzword; it’s a cultural touchstone that has quadrupled in usage over the past year. Collins Dictionary’s nod acknowledges the pivotal role AI plays in shaping our discourse.

Demystifying AI

Feeling a tad bamboozled by the rapid march of technology? Let’s demystify. Collins defines AI as the ‘modelling of human mental functions by computer programs.’ Sounds ominous? Fear not. AI isn’t just about algorithms; it’s the digital wizardry that helps you concoct a recipe from your fridge leftovers or brings back the magic of the Beatles through Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr’s Now and Then, crafted from an old John Lennon recording. Moreover, it holds the promise to revolutionise medicine, from pinpointing diseases to tailoring treatments for optimal patient outcomes.

The anxiety and summit

Yet, the breakneck advancement of AI has stirred a cauldron of anxiety and debate. To address the challenges and opportunities posed by AI’s meteoric rise, tech luminaries and global leaders convened at the inaugural AI Safety Summit in November. A momentous gathering, signifying the urgency to navigate the uncharted waters of AI technology.

Words that define us

The designation of word of the year is a reflection of our evolving reality. In the lexicon, a new word entering mainstream usage is dubbed a ‘neologism.’ These linguistic newcomers encapsulate the zeitgeist, mirroring world events, cultural shifts, and evolving attitudes.

The 2023 shortlist

Exploring Collins’ shortlist for 2023 feels like unwrapping a linguistic Christmas gift. Among the contenders are terms that encapsulate the nuances of our time:

•  Bazball: A style of test cricket showcasing an assertive batting approach.
•  Deinfluencing: The strategic use of social media to caution followers against specific commercial products or lifestyle choices.
•  Nepo baby: An individual, especially in the entertainment realm, whose career is perceived to benefit from famous parentage.
•  Ultra-processed: Describing food prepared using intricate industrial methods, often lacking nutritional value.
•  Canon event: An occurrence pivotal to shaping an individual’s character or identity.
•  Debanking: The act of withholding banking facilities from an individual.
•  Greedflation: Exploiting inflation as a pretext to inflate prices artificially, enhancing corporate profits.
•  Semaglutide: A medication curbing appetite and controlling high blood sugar.
•  ULEZ (Ultra-Low Emission Zone): An area permitting only vehicles emitting minimal pollution, exempt from entry charges.

As we bid farewell to the year dominated by ‘AI,’ we eagerly anticipate 2024’s linguistic revelation, where a new word is poised to encapsulate the ever-evolving modern world.