8 New Words To Improve Your Vocabulary In 2024

The arrival of a new year presents an ideal opportunity to work on your language goals. Whether you’re preparing for an official exam in 2024 or planning to immerse yourself in an English-speaking country during the summer, or even just looking to improve your vocabulary, what better way to start the year than by learning some of the new words that appeared in 2023?

New words originate from a variety of places. They can come from trends in popular culture, new innovations and from political and social issues. Just as these new concepts grow, so does the English vocabulary. In other words, as the world we live in continues to evolve, we must keep up with the new vocabulary!

Last year we brought you 7 new English words to improve your vocabulary in 2023. Read on to discover 8 new words to improve your vocabulary in 2024 and how you can use them in your conversations!

1. Rizz (noun)

Definition: the ability to attract another person through charm, charisma or attractiveness

This word came into the public eye when actor Tom Holland told an interviewer that he had no rizz whatsoever in a question about his flirting techniques. The word originates from the middle part of charisma, much like the shortening of refrigerator to fridge, and influenza to flu!

How do you use it?

She doesn’t even have to say anything. She’s got so much rizz that all she needs to do is walk into the room, and everyone is in her control.

2. Doomscroll (v)

Definition: the act of spending too much time looking at online news or social media which makes you feel anxious or negative

Essentially, it’s a combination of two words: doom, which means death, destruction or any kind of bad event that we cannot avoid, and scroll, which means to move up or down or left to right, on a screen.

How do you use it?

I’ve been spending too much time doomscrolling recently. I need to stop staring at social media and go for a walk instead.

3. Beast mode (noun)

Definition: an energetic and aggressive style of temporarily doing something that helps you to overcome a challenge.

This expression possibly originates from the eighties video game Altered Beast, in which a character collects power-ups and becomes a super powerful beast. However, beast mode can be used to talk about anything from an athlete managing to succeed in spite of an injury, to a student pulling an all-nighter in order to complete an assignment on time!

How do you use it?

Look at that chef preparing four meals at the same time. Absolute beast mode!

4. Goated (adjective)

Definition: to be the very best at something.

Originating from the team G.O.A.T., which stands for Greatest Of All Time, we use goated to describe someone who is at the top of their chosen field. However, this mustn’t be confused with the animal. A poor teacher spent an entire year thinking her students were calling her a goat, but they were really saying she was the G.O.A.T!

How do you use it?

He was goated last season, but now he can’t score a single goal!

5. ‘Grammable (adjective)

Definition: something that is good enough to upload to Instagram.

Imagine the perfect photo of a beautiful place, and then think about how much attention it would create on Instagram. Is it unique? Is it aesthetically pleasing? If so, then it’s probably ‘grammable!

How do you use it?

We have to visit Sri Lanka! There are so many ‘grammable spots there!

6. Kenergy (noun)

Definition: a term used to describe the characteristics of Ken, from the 2023 film Barbie.

Kenergy, which is a portmanteau formed by blending Ken and energy, is a term that came to the public’s attention in 2023. However, there are contrasting opinions about the true definition of Kenergy. The best piece of advice is to watch the film and then read this interesting article about the real definition of Kenergy on Screenrant. It certainly is thought-provoking!

How do you use it?

Check out the film and tell us what you think Kenergy really means!

7. Beige flag (noun)

Definition: a warning sign that someone might be a little boring.

You might have heard of the term red flag used to describe a warning that something dangerous is coming. Well, a beige flag is used to indicate someone may be a bit dull. It became a popular expression when people used dating apps to decide if a potential partner looked interesting to them or not.

How do you use it? Did you see his profile pictures? They’re all photos of him on fishing trips. That’s such a beige flag for me!

8. Prompt (noun)

Definition: an instruction that a human gives to artificial intelligence using natural language rather than computer language.

Artificial intelligence, and especially generative A.I., has become incredibly popular over the last few years, and with any new innovation, there is usually a whole new dictionary of language that we use. Have you checked out our blog about How to use ChatGPT to practise your English?

How do you use it?

How do I get better responses from ChatGPT? You need to use clearer prompts!

We hope you achieve all your goals in 2024. Remember, the best way to remember new vocabulary is with personal examples, and the best way to incorporate new vocabulary is to try and include it in your speaking and writing. Your teacher will always be available to help you. Practice makes perfect!

Let’s work together to make 2024 the year that you achieve your goals – find the class to suit your needs!

Glossary for Language Learners

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn’t know.

Keep up with (pv): do whatever is necessary to stay level or equal with someone or something.

Whatsoever (adv): used after a negative phrase to add emphasis.

Flirt (v): behave as if attracted to someone.

Stare (v): look for a long time with eyes open at something or someone.

Pull an all-nighter (id): stay awake all night, especially to study.

Stand for (pv): represent something, using the first letters to form an acronym.

Chosen field (n): area of study or expertise.

Aesthetically pleasing (col): enjoyable to look at because you think it looks beautiful.

Spot (n): a specific place.

Blend (v): mix or combine two or more things together.

Thought-provoking (adj): making you think a lot about a subject.

Dull (adj): boring.

Key

pv = phrasal verb

adv = adverb

v = verb

id = idiom

adj = adjective