At the end of the news, there is often some light-hearted or trivial piece, and today it has been a phrase which the Oxford University Press has deemed ‘Oxford Word of the Year’. This year it’s something I have never heard of, and nor has anyone else it seems according to those interviewed – goblin mode’. Have you ever heard of it before it was on the news or before I just mentioned it? What does it mean? Behaving like a naughty sprite? According to Wikipedia, a goblin is a small, grotesque, monstrous creature that appears in the folklore of multiple European cultures – so if someone is in goblin mode is it a physical description? Is it their monstrous behaviour? No, according to the OUP, chosen by the 300,000+ people who voted for it:
‘Goblin mode’ – a slang term, often used in the expressions ‘in goblin mode’ or ‘to go goblin mode’ – is ‘a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.’
Previous years recently:
- 2021 – VAX
- 2020 unprecedented year
- 2019 climate emergency
- 2018 toxic
- 2017 youthquake
- 2016 post-truth
I wonder if I have a word of the year? Probably – ‘oops’! I must have a think and decide if I can come up with something better!
PS Youthquake was a 1960’s term, a cultural movement involving pop culture and music; however, redefined in 2017,apparently it meant ‘a significant cultural, political, or social change arising from the actions or influence of young people’
My featured image is me in the late 60’s!!!
Lois Elsden 
They’re reaching. None of my trend-savvy, highly literate household have heard of it.
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Nor mine!! Wishing you a happy new year!
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My word for 2022 is ‘bonkers’ !
I found myself saying it numerous times for a variety of reasons – some funny, some serious eg Ukraine 🇺🇦
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So, again Lo an example of the adulteration of a word which is then disseminated around Essex and the World. Goblin for me will always be a historic make of Hoover and meat pie made by Simpson’s of Urmston, sadly both of which have vanished. But more it is that sinister figure of child hood stories courtesy of the Grimm’s ….. and there it should stay.
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I had forgotten both the hoover and the pie!! There’s a whole new blog for you!!
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Lovely black and white photo, very 1960s. Is that a frog brooch on your collar?
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It was actually a gilded orchid from a Chines friend – but how I wish it had been a frog, that sounds so lovely!
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