Words and phrases to look out for in 2015

by Stratton Craig

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Every year we are treated to linguistic surprises with the invention of new words and phrases to help us cope with modern society. 2014 was no different, with terms like ‘contactless’ and ‘bae’ emerging, while the Oxford Dictionary named ‘vape’ (an electronic cigarette) as their word of the year.
To prepare you for the verbal jungle that will be 2015, we’ve compiled a list of words and phrases coming to a conversation near you soon.
Oxt weekend
Ever been confused about which weekend somebody is referring to when they say ‘next weekend’? Well there could soon be a solution.
A campaign has been launched to introduce the phrase ‘oxt weekend’ which means: not this weekend but the weekend after. If it takes off your weekend planning may never be the same again.
Platisher
Linguistic blends, known as portmanteau words, are floating around all the time but this one looks set to stick. As the distinction between a publisher and online platform continues to blur, expect the term ‘platisher’ to enter your vocabulary.
Textruption
Another portmanteau to feature in our list, this phrase is gaining some traction and can be used to explain the moment your conversation is interrupted by a text message.
Kipper
Commonly known as a small, oily fish served with poached eggs for breakfast at a posh hotel, there is a new kind of Kipper sweeping the nation. This Kipper is a supporter of the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and with a general election approaching, don’t rule out the prospect of a Kipper and Tory breakfast being served at a posh hotel in your constituency.
Garden Cities
Not a new phrase but one that will be returning to our streets (literally) for the first time in almost 100 years. There are just two official garden cities in England, Welwyn and Letchworth in Hertfordshire, but now Ebbsfleet will join them as part of the government’s new housing scheme, with Bicester to follow.
Strategic disunion
In 2014 we were introduced to the term ‘conscious uncoupling’ by Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin. Well, we’ve come up with this expression that we expect at least one celebrity couple to use when telling the world about their divorce. Who knows, we may also see an intentional severing of relations or even a purposeful disconnection.
Which words or phrases do you think could make their way into our language this coming year? Share them with us via Twitter – @strattoncraig