As of my knowledge cutoff in October 2023, I cannot provide the exact list of new words added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2024. However, I can offer insights into the trends and processes that influence the inclusion of new words in dictionaries like the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). Dictionaries typically update their entries annually to reflect the evolving nature of language, and the words added often mirror societal, technological, and cultural shifts.

How New Words Are Added to the Oxford Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary is one of the most authoritative and comprehensive dictionaries of the English language. Its team of lexicographers constantly monitors language usage across various platforms, including books, newspapers, social media, and other digital sources. Words are considered for inclusion based on their frequency of use, longevity, and cultural significance. Here’s a breakdown of the process:

1. Monitoring Language Trends: Lexicographers track emerging words and phrases through extensive databases and corpora, such as the Oxford English Corpus, which contains billions of words from written and spoken English.

2. Evidence of Usage: A word must demonstrate sustained and widespread usage over time. It is not enough for a word to be trendy or viral; it must show staying power.

3. Cultural and Historical Significance: Words that reflect significant societal changes, technological advancements, or cultural phenomena are more likely to be included.

4. Expert Review: A team of linguists and lexicographers evaluates the word’s meaning, origin, and usage before deciding to include it.

Trends Likely to Influence 2024 Additions

While I cannot predict the exact words added in 2024, I can highlight some trends that are likely to influence the selection:

1. Technology and AI: With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, terms like "generative AI," "prompt engineering," and "deepfake" might gain prominence.

2. Climate Change and Sustainability: Words related to environmental issues, such as "climate anxiety," "net-zero," and "greenwashing," are likely to be included.

3. Social and Political Movements: Terms reflecting societal shifts, such as "quiet quitting," "rage farming," or "deinfluencing," could make the cut.

4. Internet and Social Media: Slang and abbreviations from platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter often find their way into the dictionary. Examples might include "stan" (an obsessive fan) or "cheugy" (outdated or uncool).

5. Health and Wellness: The COVID-19 pandemic has already introduced terms like "long COVID" and "vaccine hesitancy." Future additions might include words related to mental health or new medical advancements.

6. Pop Culture: Words from movies, TV shows, music, and gaming often enter the lexicon. For example, "sussy" (from the game Among Us) or "rizz" (short for charisma) could be contenders.

Examples of Recent Additions

To give you an idea of the types of words added in recent years, here are some examples from previous updates:

• 2023: "Goblin mode" (a type of behavior characterized by self-indulgence or laziness), "splooting" (lying flat on the stomach with legs stretched out), and "side hustle" (a secondary job or source of income).
• 2022: "Metaverse" (a virtual reality space), "cringe" (embarrassing or awkward), and "yeet" (to throw something with force).
• 2021: "Doomscrolling" (the act of endlessly scrolling through bad news), "contactless" (relating to transactions without physical contact), and "WFH" (working from home).

Predicting 2024 Additions

Based on current trends, here are some speculative candidates for 2024:

1. AI-Generated: Terms like "hallucination" (when AI produces incorrect or nonsensical outputs) or "alignment" (ensuring AI systems align with human values) might be included.

2. Climate Terms: "Carbon capture," "climate grief," or "eco-anxiety" could reflect growing concerns about the environment.

3. Social Media Slang: Words like "algospeak" (language altered to avoid algorithmic detection) or "chronoworking" (working according to one’s natural circadian rhythm) might gain traction.

4. Health and Wellness: "Microdosing" (taking small amounts of psychedelics) or "sleep hygiene" (practices to improve sleep quality) could be added.

5. Cultural Phenomena: Terms like "nepo baby" (a celebrity child benefiting from their parents' fame) or "corecore" (a TikTok aesthetic) might enter the dictionary.

The Importance of New Words

The inclusion of new words in the Oxford Dictionary is more than just a reflection of linguistic trends; it is a testament to the dynamic and adaptive nature of language. Words are tools for communication, and as society evolves, so too does the language we use to describe our experiences. By adding new words, dictionaries like the OED ensure that they remain relevant and useful resources for understanding and navigating the world.

Conclusion

While the exact list of new words added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2024 remains unknown, the trends shaping language evolution provide a glimpse into what might be included. From technological advancements to cultural shifts, the words we use are a mirror of our times. As language continues to evolve, so too will the dictionaries that document it, ensuring that they remain living, breathing records of human expression.

If you’re curious about specific words or trends, I recommend keeping an eye on the Oxford English Dictionary’s official announcements or their blog, where they often discuss new additions and the reasoning behind them.