Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Get the free app no ads · no paywall

Explained in plain English

Are new words appearing faster?

The internet and social media have significantly accelerated the pace at which new words enter our vocabulary. Before digital communication, language evolution was slower, often spreading through spoken word or traditional media. Now, a term like 'maxxing' can go from niche online forums to widespread digital media in months, as its 19-fold increase shows.

Stories that explain this

'Maxxing' Named Dictionary.com's Word of the Year

Related explainers

How do new words spread? What do new words tell us? Who picks word of the year? Why is Asda raising prices faster? Why do bananas ripen faster? How can it be faster AND cheaper? Why do big dogs age faster? Why are bodies appearing now?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under N →