Why does English keep changing?
English evolves because we live in a fast-moving world. News travels quickly on social media and other online platforms. People adopt words to describe new situations, inventions, and trends. Speakers of different languages also borrow from each other, which increases and expands the English vocabulary.
If you want to learn more about how English has changed over time, check out the post on 15 modern English words with different meanings in the past.
Now, let’s look at some new words for 2025.
Environment
Climavore (n)
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, a climavore is someone who chooses their diet based on the impact of food production on the climate. This new term links diet to environmental awareness.
- As a climavore, she eats a diet of food which is resilient to climate change, like seaweed.
Eco-minimalism (n)
Eco-minimalism suggests living with as few things as possible to reduce waste and pollution. It focuses on protecting the planet through simple lifestyle choices.
- He reduced his possessions and is living an eco-minimalist lifestyle.
Wellbeing
Quiet luxury (phr)
This phrase refers to high-quality products or experiences without any branding or loud advertising. People who enjoy quiet luxury often prefer elegance and quality more than obvious, showy items.
- She doesn’t like all these designer brands – she prefers quiet luxury.
Biohacking (n)
Biohacking is the practice of changing or improving the body and mind through nutrition, technology, or lifestyle choices. Some people try special diets, fasting, or using apps to track their sleep to become healthier.
- I’m biohacking my way to a newer, fitter body by walking every day and only eating healthy food.
Gen Z slang
Mid (adj)
‘Mid’ means something that is average or not very special. If a film or a meal is ‘mid’, it means it is neither great nor terrible.
- That pilates class was so mid. The teacher didn’t even look at us and the routines were so basic.
Unhinged (adj)
When someone is ‘unhinged’, they appear wild or out of control. It is often used to describe dramatic or irrational behaviour.
- The teacher was completely unhinged! She asked us to complete 15 assignments in the week – that’s way too many.
For more slang, take a look at the post on Gen Z slang: 10 common terms you should know.
New words from the OED
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) releases regular updates of new words in English. Here are a few highlights:
- Bland (v), blandify, blandification: ways to describe making something dull or less interesting
- Boi (n): a variant spelling of ‘boy’, often used in online contexts or to challenge traditional gender roles.
- Brandscape (n): the overall image and feel of many brands within a specific market
- Collabo (n): a short form of ‘collaboration’, especially in music or creative projects
- De-age / de-aging (v / n): to make someone appear younger, often by using digital technology in films
- Horror show (n): something shocking or distressing
- Woo (v): to seek the support of someone, especially in business or politics
Which new word do you find the most interesting and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Curious about the Oxford Word of the Year 2024? Read our post here.
Activity
Complete the sentences with a word or phrase from the text.
- Some people are adopting ________ by donating their possessions and buying only what they need.
- That rollercoaster ride was so ________, I can’t even remember going on it.
- I would never wear designer brands. I prefer ________.
- I’ve started ________, I measure my daily steps and try new diets to help my body.
- This diet is perfect for a ________, because it chooses foods with a smaller carbon footprint.
Answers
- eco-minimalism
- mid
- quiet luxury
- biohacking
- climavore
