Goblin mode is Oxford Dictionary's word of the year and it captures mood of 2022. Check meaning

Every year Oxford selects a word to be added to the dictionary. This word usually depicts the current state of the world. This year, that honour goes to 'goblin mode'.

‘Goblin mode’ is defined as a sort of behaviour that doesn't fit the usual social norms. It depicts behaviour that is unapologetic, lazy, self-indulgent, or greedy.

The word ‘Goblin mode’ was first introduced on Twitter in 2009. It has been in use ever since then. But its use was not wide, and only a few people were aware of its existence and its meaning. Until now when it has been recognised by the Oxford Dictionary.


This year can truly be ‘goblin mode’ for many of us as we are just getting out of the lockdown phase. We were stuck in our homes for almost two years, and now that life is back to normal, we struggle with adjusting to the social norms. So undeniably, ‘goblin mode’ is the word of the year.

We also saw people going into ‘goblin mode’ in the lockdown phase. We were mostly alone or with family confined to the four walls, which automatically turned-on ‘goblin mode’ in many of us. This feeling is not new.



Casper Grathwohl, the President of Oxford Languages, told the press that after the year we have all had, this phrase completely resonates with most of us. We all are feeling a little overwhelmed coming back into the world, and this phrase is our buddy.

Never before this year had Oxford taken public opinion on the additions to its dictionaries. But this year, that changed. Oxford Dictionary took a public vote to select the Word of the Year. Out of the 340,000 votes that were cast, goblin mode won 93% of those.

FAQs:

1. What is the Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year?
   The Oxford Dictionaries Word of the Year is 'goblin mode'.
2. Which words were on the top list of Oxford Dictionaries?
   Besides goblin mode, IStandWith and Metaverse were in the top three list of Oxford Dictionaries.