{"id":46031,"date":"2021-01-07T13:10:54","date_gmt":"2021-01-07T12:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/?p=46031"},"modified":"2021-01-07T13:10:54","modified_gmt":"2021-01-07T12:10:54","slug":"8-english-words-you-need-for-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oxfordhousebcn.com\/en\/8-english-words-you-need-for-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"8 English Words You Need For 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"

Back in December 2019, we sat down and attempted to make a list of words you\u2019d need for 2020<\/a>. No one could have predicted the year that was about to unfold<\/span><\/em><\/strong>. Nor, could we imagine the vortex of new words needed to make sense of the pandemic.<\/p>\n

For the Oxford English Dictionary<\/a>, it was a year for unprecedented language – with \u2018pandemic\u2019, \u2018coronavirus\u2019 and \u2018quarantine\u2019 all listed as words of the year.<\/p>\n

We also had to learn how to \u2018zoom\u2019, \u2018bubble up\u2019<\/span><\/em><\/strong> and use \u2018forehead thermometers.\u2019 We clapped for \u2018key workers\u2019 and \u2018sheltered-in-place.\u2019<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

But now as we close the door to 2020, we\u2019ll do our best to predict the words you\u2019ll need for the year ahead. Let\u2019s take a look at 8 English words for 2021:<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Coronavirus and the pandemic<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

1. Clofficewear (n)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: clothes that can be worn both at home and at work.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

As we move into January, many of us will continue to work from home (WFH) or part-time from the office. So, \u2018clofficewear\u2019 will still be a popular word in 2021.<\/p>\n

Clofficewear is a compound noun of the words \u2018closet\u2019 and \u2018office.\u2019 A closet, if you don\u2019t already know, is the American word for a wardrobe. And \u2018wear\u2019 is another word for clothes.<\/p>\n

So, what\u2019s an example of clofficewear? Think leggings and a t-shirt with a collar. To others, it might look like you\u2019re wearing a pair of smart work trousers or a crisp<\/span><\/em><\/strong> white shirt. But in reality, your outfit is just as comfortable as a pair of pyjamas.<\/p>\n

And, it doesn\u2019t look like clofficewear is going anywhere soon. The sale of spandex is currently up 60%<\/a>!<\/p>\n

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2. Maskne (n)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: the spots you get on the face from wearing a mask<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The stress caused by the pandemic – combined with wearing a mask for months on end – is having an effect on people\u2019s skin. Now, lots of people are talking about \u2018maskne.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maskne is the combination of the \u2018mask\u2019 and \u2018acne.\u2019 It\u2019s caused by a face mask rubbing on your skin.<\/p>\n

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3. #Vaccinated (adj)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: the hashtag you post once you receive the Covid-19 vaccine.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Vaccines against Covid-19 are beginning to rollout. Once people get vaccinated, many will want to share the good news.<\/p>\n

So, expect to see an outpouring<\/span><\/em><\/strong> of the hashtag \u2018#vaccinated\u2019 trending on social media in the near future.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The internet and social media<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

4. Sharent (n)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: a parent who uses social media to share photos or other information about their child.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Chances are you know a \u2018sharent\u2019<\/a>. Who knows? You may even be one.<\/p>\n

A sharent is a portmanteau<\/span><\/em><\/strong> of the words \u2018share\u2019 and \u2018parent\u2019. It comes from the phenomenon of parents excessively sharing information about their children on social media.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not get it wrong. A sharent is not someone who offers a simple brag<\/span><\/em><\/strong> now and again. It\u2019s a parent who shares every little detail about their children\u2019s lives (cue the tweet about last night\u2019s dirty nappies<\/span><\/em><\/strong> ).<\/p>\n

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5. Techlash (n)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: a strong negative reaction against the largest tech companies.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Growing hostility towards the tech giants is causing \u2018techlash\u2019. This is a combination of the words \u2018tech\u2019 (short for technology) and \u2018backlash\u2019 (a strong negative reaction caused by a large number of people).<\/p>\n

Many well-known companies experienced techlash in 2020. Amazon<\/a> failed to adhere to Covid-19 safety measures. And Facebook<\/a> received criticism over the lack of fact-checking on political advertisements.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Race and gender politics<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

6. Allyship (n)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: people with power and privilege working together to improve the lives of those from a marginalized group.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Last year, we saw an increase of online activism and people talking about Black Lives Matter and BLM.<\/p>\n

\u2018Allyship\u2019, however, is a lot more than this. It is about actively supporting people and groups that experience discrimination. It is an ongoing<\/span><\/em><\/strong> process that requires genuine action, both offline and in private.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

7. Shecession (n)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: an economic crisis that disproportionately affects women.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The 2008 recession was known as the \u2018mancession\u2019<\/a>. But the economic crisis caused by the pandemic has caused greater economic difficulties for women. This has led to what newspapers are calling a \u2018shecession\u2019<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Back in April 2020, women accounted for 55% of the 20.5 million jobs lost<\/a> in the U.S. The leisure, retail, education and hospitality industries were hit<\/span><\/em><\/strong> hardest last year, and these are industries that generally employ more women, particularly those who are Black or Latina.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Let\u2019s end on a high note\u2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h1>\n

 <\/p>\n

8. Resilience (n)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Definition: the ability to recover from difficulties.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Whereas publishers like Merriam Webster and Collins Dictionary chose \u2018pandemic\u2019 and \u2018lockdown\u2019 as their Words of the Year, Forbes and Thrive Global founder Arianna Huffington<\/a> opted for \u2018resilience\u2019.<\/p>\n

Resilience suggests hope, optimism and the opportunity for growth. And, we think it\u2019s the perfect word to carry us into 2021.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Want to make learning English your New Year\u2019s resolution? Check out all our new courses starting in 2021<\/a>.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to follow us on Facebook<\/a> and Instagram<\/a> for all the latest Oxford House news.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Glossary for Language Learners<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

Find the following words in the article and then write down any new ones you didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

Unfold (v):<\/em><\/span> to develop or happen.<\/p>\n

Bubble up (v):<\/em><\/span> to form a support bubble or become one household with another person.<\/p>\n

Shelter-in-place (v):<\/em><\/span> an official order that asks people to stay indoors.<\/p>\n

Crisp (adj):<\/em><\/span> a perfectly ironed shirt.<\/p>\n

Portmanteau (n):<\/em><\/span> a word that blends the sounds and combines the meanings of two other words. Eg. motel or brunch.<\/p>\n

Brag (v):<\/em><\/span> to speak with too much pride.<\/p>\n

Nappies (n):<\/em><\/span> diapers (BrE).<\/p>\n

Ongoing (adj):<\/em><\/span> continuous.<\/p>\n

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<\/div><\/div>
<\/div>\n

Key<\/strong><\/p>\n

v = verb<\/p>\n

adj = adjective<\/p>\n

n = noun<\/p>\n

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Study English at Oxford House Barcelona<\/h4><\/i>Interested in taking an English course at Oxford House Barcelona? Check all the different English classes<\/a> we can offer you or contact us<\/a> for more information.<\/div>
<\/div><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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