Have you ever wondered which words were invented in the year you were born? Merriam Webster, one of the most trusted and respected names in the world of dictionaries, has compiled a list of words that were first introduced to the English language in each year since 1900. Whether you're a language enthusiast or simply curious about the evolution of the English language, this article will take you on a journey through time.
1900 - 1920
The first two decades of the 20th century saw a flurry of new words enter the English language. In 1903, the word "cardiovascular" was coined to describe the heart and blood vessels. "Aviator" was first used in 1905 to refer to someone who flies an aircraft, while "radio" made its debut in 1906. "Jazz" was first used in print in 1913, and "robot" was created in 1920 to describe a mechanical human-like creature.
1921 - 1940
The roaring twenties and the Great Depression of the thirties ushered in a new wave of words. "Flapper" was first used in 1921 to describe a fashionable young woman, and "zombie" made its debut in 1929 to describe a person who is listless and apathetic. "Superhero" was first used in 1939 to describe a fictional character with extraordinary powers, and "photobomb" was coined in 1940 to describe someone who intentionally or unintentionally spoils a photograph.
1941 - 1960
The forties and fifties were marked by World War II and the post-war boom. "Radar" was first used in 1941 to describe a device that detects objects using radio waves, while "atom bomb" made its debut in 1945 to describe a nuclear weapon. "Television" was first used in 1950 to describe a device that broadcasts images and sound over long distances, and "cybernetics" was coined in 1960 to describe the study of control and communication in living organisms and machines.
1961 - 1980
The sixties and seventies were marked by social and cultural change. "Beatnik" was first used in 1961 to describe someone who is part of an unconventional social group, while "feminism" made its debut in 1964 to describe the belief in social, political, and economic equality of the sexes. "Disco" was first used in 1972 to describe a style of dance music, and "videocassette" was coined in 1977 to describe a device that records and plays back video and audio.
1981 - 2000
The eighties and nineties were marked by technological advancements and global events. "Cyberspace" was first used in 1982 to describe the virtual world of computer networks, while "internet" made its debut in 1983 to describe a global network of computers. "Email" was first used in 1982 to describe electronic mail, and "grunge" was coined in 1991 to describe a style of music and fashion. "Blog" was first used in 1999 to describe a website that contains personal reflections, comments, and often hyperlinks.
2001 - Present
The turn of the millennium and beyond have been marked by the rise of social media and the digital age. "Podcast" was first used in 2004 to describe a digital audio file that can be downloaded and listened to on a computer or mobile device, while "hashtag" made its debut in 2007 to describe a word or phrase preceded by the # symbol that is used to categorize and search for content on social media. "Selfie" was first used in 2013 to describe a photograph that one has taken of oneself, and "emoji" was coined in 2015 to describe a small digital image or icon that represents an idea or emotion.
Conclusion
Language is constantly evolving, and new words are being added to the English language every year. Merriam Webster's list of words invented in each year since 1900 provides a fascinating look at the evolution of the English language over the past century. From "cardiovascular" to "emoji," the words we use today are a reflection of the world we live in and the technology that shapes our lives.
Related video of Discover the Words Invented in the Year You Were Born with Merriam Webster