Discover the Top 10 Slang Words of the century
![Top 10 Slang Words of the century](https://jaybesttrends.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/images-32.jpg)
10. Luv
It’s no secret that the English language lacks words for various forms of affection. In contrast to Sanskrit, which has ninety-six words for love, English has only one. Web users and youths have proposed a misspelling of “love” used primarily in a friendly context as a solution. The song “luv” by Tory Lanez, which topped hip-hop charts and peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, likely contributed to “luv’s” record-breaking popularity in 2016. Like many other words on this list, “luv” gained popularity this year due to music.
9. Freakin
Although this word was popular in 2016, it is not new. The first written use of “freaking” (likely the ancestor of “freakin'”) was in the seventeenth century as a descriptor for people who enjoyed unusual pastimes, not as an intensifier. Even though this word was not new in 2016, Grammarly users added it to their personal dictionaries. And that is absolutely astounding.
8. Insta
According to our users, “insta” is not yet a distinct slang term. Instead, it is a popular prefix that means “instant” that has spawned dozens of Frankenstein terms, such as “insta-death” and “insta-fam.” Since the launch of Instagram in 2010, this prefix has acquired a new tech-savvy meaning that refers specifically to actions on the platform, as in “insta-lurk” or “insta-worthy.”
7. Bestest
Many have criticized this superlative for being lazy or unnecessary, but Grammarly users adore it. Some English superlatives require intensifiers such as “more,” while others can accept the suffix “-est.” English superlatives are notoriously capricious, as some require intensifiers while others accept the “-est” suffix. Do you believe “bestest” should be added to the English language in 2017? Share your thoughts in the section below.
6. Dat
English has always been and will continue to be a multilingual language. According to The Root, any group that claims complete ownership over every English word is simply mistaken, as demonstrated by the word “dat,” which has its roots in 19th-century vernacular poetry and was popularized by black entertainers. Although this word has a troubled history, its use as a chant for the New Orleans Saints has given it a new lease on life, and its popularity is expected to increase even more in 2017.
5. Nah
Colloquial alternatives to “no” are not new, but “nah’s” cultural moment occurred in 2014 with the release of the chart-topping song “Or Nah.” Since then, “nah” has maintained a consistent level of popularity among Grammarly users, although Google Trends indicates a decline in its overall popularity. Do you believe that “nah” will remain popular next year?
4. Esque
We must admit that “esque” threw us for a loop. Before analyzing data from our users, we had no idea that this suffix was so prevalent! If you’ve never encountered words like “Kafkaesque” or “statuesque” before, you can learn how to add this suffix to names, descriptive words, and even old, archaic terms.
3. Y’know
We believe this one needs no explanation, you know?
2. Lil
Even though Lil Jon and other hip-hop artists have adopted this word as a title, it is still on the periphery of English grammar. But you may be surprised to learn that “lil” was first used as a contraction of “little” in the seventeenth century and has existed in some form since then. As with many trendy words of 2016, “lil” has a lengthy history for such a brief word!
1. Zzz
You may have slept through this list. If so, you’ll adore the onomatopoeia that dominated the dictionaries of our users in 2014. The transition to primarily text-based communication (social media, texting, messaging, email, etc.) has prompted English speakers to find new ways to denote body language and actions that would be obvious in a face-to-face conversation. For our users, words such as “zzz” and the ever-increasing “hahahahaha” assist in describing actions that are hidden behind a screen.
Obviously, none of these slang terms are acceptable in formal writing, and you would be wise to avoid using them in your next important email. It is also important to note that, despite the fact that grammar snobs decry slang as “ruining” the English language, many of these words have existed in one form or another for centuries. Even if it’s not acceptable in formal settings, slang was an integral part of the English language in 2016 and will remain so for years to come.
What are your thoughts on the rise of words such as “zzz”? Share your love in the following comments.