Collins Dictionary names ‘permacrisis’ its word of the year for 2022
The word “permacrisis” has been appointed as Collins Dictionary’s word of the year, in order to sum up the tumultuous period people all over the world have gone through in recent times, The Independent reports.
The word is defined as “an extended period of instability and insecurity” and is one of several terms on the 2022 list which has seen increasing usage due to ongoing crises.
The dictionary said it chose the word because it “sums up quite succinctly just how truly awful 2022 has been for so many people”.
Of the 10 words of the year on Collins’ list, six are new to the Collinsdictionary.com, including “permacrisis”. However, the term was first noted in academic contexts from the 1970s.
Another word on the list which has contributed to the feeling of “permacrisis” is “partygate”. The word refers to government ministers, including former prime minister Boris Johnson, who held social gatherings in spite of the public health restrictions imposed on the British public over lockdown periods.
“Kyiv” has also been added to the list after the city became a symbol of Ukraine’s stand against "Russian aggression".
“Warm bank”, which describes a heated building such as a library or place of worship where people who are unable to afford heating in their homes may go, was also added to the list.
Other terms on the list like “quiet quitting” and “vibe shift” reflect the personal impact of ongoing crises. “Quiet quitting” refers to workers sticking exactly to their job description at work, while “vibe shift” related to “a significant change in the prevailing atmosphere or culture”.