Macquarie Dictionary has announced the results of its Committee’s Choice and People’s Choice Word of the Year 2023.
The committee this year included Macquarie Dictionary Editors, Alison Moore, Victoria Morgan and Jack Steyn who were joined by crossword maker, radio host and writer, David Astle, and language research specialist at the ABC, Tiger Webb.
After an in-depth discussion, the Word of the Year was settled… cozzie livs
The humorous play on the term “cost of living” has become renowned on social media over the last year dominating hashtags and even media coverage. “Although cozzie livs was coined in the UK, it has resonated soundly with Australians, with its -ie suffix and its clipped formation, reminiscent of menty b and locky d. And what could be a more Australian approach to a major social and economic problem than to treat it with a bit of humour and informality?” the committee said.
“Blue-sky flood” and “algospeak” were awarded honourable mentions by the committee.
After leading the voting throughout the entire voting period, the People’s Choice Word of the Year 2023 was decided by Australia as “generative AI”.
“Unlike many other previous People’s Choice winners, generative AI isn’t a clever or humorous construction, but it has touched a nerve. A clear winner, it shows that AI is figuring prominently in our minds this year,” said the committee.
