The Crew, as confirmed logophiles and admittedly obsessed logomaniacs, have once again embarked upon an epic linguistic adventure in search of the perfect Word Of The Year 2024, our WOTY.
Last year marked a special occasion for The Crew as we unveiled our first Word of the Year (WOTY) article. Our chosen word for 2023 was ‘Bookish,’ a term that resonated deeply with the goals and spirit of the Mystery Review Crew. This initial experience swiftly evolved into an annual tradition that we eagerly anticipated and rigorously researched throughout the year.
Each year, the celebrated Word Of The Year garners the attention of language enthusiasts worldwide. The annual designation is given to a word that has become especially prominent or symbolic of the past year. This word often reflects the key trends, events, and cultural moments that shaped public discourse. The announcement of the WOTY stimulates discussions about language evolution and how societal changes influence the words we use.
WOTYs have become a cultural conversation starter, and they’ve taken on new significance in online culture to help bring forth a proper understanding of new lingo or slang terms.
Word of the Year 2024 round-up
What are the latest WOTY from the movers and shakers within the linguistic world? Here are some of the more significant selections.
Oxford University Press 2024 Word of the Year: Brain Rot
The Oxford Word of the Year: After over 37,000 votes, worldwide public discussion, and analysis of our language data, we have named ‘brain rot’ as our Word of the Year for 2024. Our experts noticed that ‘brain rot’ gained new prominence this year as a term used to capture concerns about the impact of consuming excessive amounts of low-quality online content, especially on social media.
Collin’s Dictionary 2024 Word of the Year: Brat
‘Brat’, newly defined in 2024 as ‘characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude’, has been named Collins’ Word of the Year 2024. Inspired by the Charli XCX album, ‘brat’ has become one of the most talked about words of 2024. More than a hugely successful album, ‘brat’ is a cultural phenomenon that has resonated with people globally, and ‘brat summer’ established itself as an aesthetic and a way of life.
Merriam-Webster’s 2024 Word of the Year: Polarization
Polarization is one idea that both sides of the political spectrum agree on. Search volume on Merriam-Webster.com throughout the year reflected the desire of Americans to better understand the complex state of affairs in our country and around the world. We define polarization as “division into two sharply distinct opposites; especially, a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes.”
Cambridge Dictionary: Manifest
Manifest was looked up almost 130,000 times on the Cambridge Dictionary website, making it one of the most viewed words of 2024. So, why would a fairly formal 600-year-old word that means ‘to show something clearly’ suddenly become so popular?
Cambridge Dictionary defines manifest as using methods, such as visualization (picturing something in your mind) and affirmation, (repeating positive phrases) to help you imagine achieving something you want, in the belief, that in doing so will make it more likely to happen. Such use of manifest has gained in popularity with an increasing number of “manifesting influencers” promoting this scientifically unproven practice on social media—so much so that it was added to the Cambridge Dictionary in May of 2023.
Dare we say this last one sounds more like snake oil? A term that arose in the 1800s to describe fake medicines purveyed by traveling salesmen in the Old West.
The Mystery Review Crew’s Dilemma
The Mystery Review Crew is the place for all things mystery. It is a celebration of curiosity, the thrill of discovery, and the endless fascination with the unknown. This year’s chosen word needed to embody the spirit of intrigue and exploration that fuels every mystery lover’s heart. It had to speak to the essence of uncovering secrets, solving puzzles, and the joy of piecing together clues to unravel the story.
This was our mission for the Mystery Review Crew’s Word of the Year. It was a daunting task as there were so many words to choose from. Here are several that rose to the top of our list.
Cryptic: The allure of hidden meanings and the challenge of deciphering clues.
Enigma: Something that is mysterious and seems impossible to understand.
Arcane: Describes the essence of the mysterious and esoteric knowledge.
Puzzling: Emphasizes the enjoyment of solving complex and baffling mysteries.
Shadow: The dark, unknown areas that mystery lovers explore.
Mystique: The aura of mystery and allure of the unknown.
Labyrinth: The complexity and twists of a good mystery.
Cipher: Decoding hidden messages and secrets.
Phantom: The ghostly and elusive nature of some mysteries.
Obscure: Highlights the perplexing and often hidden details within a mystery.
Intrigue: Embodies the captivating and fascinating nature of mysteries.
As our search unfolded, one term epitomized our journey. This term personifies the artful blending of diverse elements to create an engaging narrative that enthralls readers. When characters converge, their relationships, conflicts, and collaborations propel the story forward in ways that solitary characters cannot. Interwoven plots, subplots, and those pesky, tantalizing hints and teasers introduce layers of complexity meant to keep readers on their toes. The interplay between varied settings and their connections adds depth and intrigue, pulling the reader into the story’s emotions. The fusion of these varied details weaves together a captivating, stimulating, and thrilling mystery.
We also discovered another significant meaning beyond fictional stories. As the Mystery Review Crew (MRC) has continued to grow, it has become undeniably clear how vital each person’s unique contribution is to its success. Every piece of the puzzle—whether it’s Anita and Kimberly’s partnership-turned-friendship, the tireless enthusiasm of the review team, the quiet encouragement of friends, or the heartfelt creativity and support of authors—adds a layer of meaning and purpose.
Without even one of these pieces, the MRC wouldn’t feel whole. It’s not just a project or a company; it’s a community, a shared passion, and a space where stories come alive and people connect. What makes the MRC truly special isn’t just the love of mysteries—it’s the love for the people who bring them to life.
That is what makes it all worthwhile: the late-night brainstorming sessions, the endless pages of books read and reviewed, and the belief that what we’re building matters—not just for us, but for every author who crafts the mysteries and every reader who feels the thrill of solving a good mystery.
This year, our Word of the Year (WOTY) symbolizes blending separate elements into a unified and impactful entity, whether in literature or life.
The Mystery Review Crew
Word Of The Year
