- “Authentic” has been announced as the word of the year for 2023, as per the esteemed Merriam-Webster dictionary.
- According to the dictionary publisher, the word witnessed a notable surge in online searches this year. The rise in interest can be attributed to various factors such as discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), celebrity culture, identity, and social media.
- One of the reasons behind the popularity of this term is its multifaceted nature. It encompasses meanings such as “genuine” and “true to oneself.”
Merriam-Webster pointed out that while “authentic” is undeniably a desirable trait, it is challenging to define and subject to ongoing debates.
The dictionary publisher further highlighted the impact of the AI boom in blurring the lines between what’s real and what’s fake, generating interest in the authenticity of textual content, images, and videos.
Among the contenders for the word of the year, “deepfake” gained recognition for being associated with digitally altered videos and photos created using AI technology.
Additionally, the word gained popularity through its usage by various brands, social media influencers, and celebrities, including Elon Musk, the former owner of Twitter (now known as X), who emphasized the importance of being “authentic” on social media platforms.
Other notable words from 2023 include the internet slang term “rizz,” which refers to charisma and romantic appeal, as well as “indict,” which witnessed increased interest after former President Donald Trump faced charges in multiple legal cases.
The influence of British culture was also evident in the search trends, with “coronation” receiving significant attention following the crowning of Charles III as the new king in May.
In 2022, the word of the year was “gaslighting,” a colloquial term used to describe manipulative behavior aimed at causing someone to question their own perceptions and beliefs.
