They say you learn something new every day.
Never is that more true than when you think about the English language. Just when you think you have your English vocabulary under control, it throws a whole host of new words at you!
That’s the thing about English – and any other language for that matter – it’s not stagnant.
Far from it!
The English Language finds its roots in the midst of various Anglo-Saxon dialects that arrived on these shores around 1500 years ago, and it has been evolving ever since.
Language is constantly moving, changing to adapt to modern culture and reflect it. People need to be able to talk about what is happening around them, so new words need to be invented to reflect the developments in society. Think back to the 1960s where there was no need for words such as fax machine or cable TV. You don’t even need to go that far back either – apparently the word “internet” was only first used in 1982, and look where we are now!
Changes in language happen for a number of reasons. New words can be adopted from other languages (such as “sushi”) or they can be as a result of shortening words (we used to refer to “text messaging” which has now been reduced to “texting”) and sometimes they can be a combination of two separate words altogether (breakfast and lunch has become “brunch”)
In many cases the changes begin with the younger generation. An article in the Telegraph from 2015 claims that we’re in hyper speed when it comes to the changes in the English language. Their poll found that 86 per cent of all British parents think teenagers speak an entirely different language on social media and mobile messaging. So many new words, particularly in relation to social media terminology, are being introduced that it’s leaving the older generation baffled!
Here are some of our favourites that can be found in the Urban dictionary (and we won’t pretend that we knew what they all mean!) Do you?
Have you heard of “fleek*”?
What about “FOMO*”? (We’ll admit to knowing that one!)
Or “deadout*”?
English is the predominant language when communicating in business, especially on the global stage, and whilst slang words are far less likely to be a feature in business, the subtle nuances of change can be.
Thankfully in the world of business the change isn’t quite so fast paced, but when like FSTL you’re in the business of words, being aware of industry relevant terms and staying on top of relevant business terminology is always key.
*fleek = smooth, nice, sweet
*FOMO = fear of missing out
* deadout = empty or boring