What Does Goblin Mode, The Oxford Dictionary’s Word Of The Year, Even Mean? Twitter Is Sharing Their Versions!
Goblin mode activated!
Oxford English Dictionary is our go-to dictionary to learn about any new word in the English language. This is considered the most comprehensive dictionary for the English language. Each year Oxford names the word of the year based on usage in the previous year. It is supposed to give an idea of which word people felt connected to, in that year. And all of us eagerly wait for this announcement every year, to know what everyone around the globe felt. For 2022, the Oxford English Dictionary has chosen the term ‘goblin mode’ as the word of the year. What is Goblin Mode, you ask? More importantly, does it have anything to with goblins, à la those bankers from Gringotts in Harry Potter?
How Is The Oxford English Dictionary Word Of The Year chosen?
For the first time in history, this selection has been made after an online public vote. Usually, a team of expert lexicographers make this decision. But this year Oxford gave people the power to choose. This year the team of experts narrowed down a long list of worthy contestants to a final choice of three words, which were Metaverse, #IStandWith, and Goblin Mode. After this, an online public vote was conducted, where 93% of casted votes favoured ‘goblin mode’ as the word of the year.
But What Exactly Does Goblin Mode Mean?
‘Goblin mode’ is a slang term and its origin story is a bit murky. But it was soon accepted by the people as a legitimate term. It is defined as “unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations”. It simply describes a type of behaviour which can be attributed to the ‘I don’t care’ attitude, where the person does what he or she wants and isn’t guided by social norms or conventions.
The sudden popularity of this term can be attributed to the post-pandemic world. Post-pandemic the world has changed, and people have rejected the carefully curated lifestyles often presented by users of social media platforms. It was a coping mechanism for the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. And letting their inner goblin out has been a freeing experience for the people.
After it was named the word of the year, Twitter has been buzzing with reactions from people who are unapologetically embracing the term as the word of the year with open hands. Now it has turned into a trend, people are talking about what ‘goblin mode’ means to them and how they go into this mode. This is giving way to bringing real feelings and thought processes to social media, which is often criticised for being fake.
my version of “goblin mode” is when I drink a huge cold brew on payday and start looking for good deals on vintage shoegaze band shirts on ebay
— dr. jay, ph. d. Basketball Ethics (@itsashameabtjay) February 17, 2022
very happy to see goblin mode representation in the dictionary, but to me goblin mode doesn't mean lazy or slovenly, it means being a funky lil guy, a weirdo, a wretch
when I'm goblin mode I'm wearing three jumpers and eating salami straight from the packet under a large blanket
— Anna Hollinrake 🧹 CRESCENT COUNTY (@AnnaHollinrake) December 5, 2022
I can see a few out of office messages over December saying "I'm in goblin mode"
— Elmar ✈️ (@conrelma) December 5, 2022
Having a crinkle cut chip butty for tea on a Sunday.#goblinmode
— Dave (@AuldNickReturns) November 27, 2022
Is it legal to goblin mode while at work?
— CuddleBug – Mommy arc ☺️ (@CuddleBugOF) November 28, 2022
#DonaldJTrump is in Goblin Mode. Who agrees?
— Donna (@bodyway45) December 5, 2022
I think I’ve been in goblin mode for the past 27 years
— James (@_JamT_) December 5, 2022
https://twitter.com/endingfinsta/status/1599266521766690816?s=46&t=kohZONRoHg_DcMJRSPhaDw
Also Read: Twitter Thread Shows Pics Of People Looking At Shah Rukh Khan Like He Is Love. Sabko Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Yaar!
So, going by Twitter’s reactions, it’s safe to say that everyone around the world is going into their goblin mode for the last month of the year. Are you joining in?
First Published: December 06, 2022 1:42 PM
