Merriam-Webster dictionary finally revealed the word of the year for 2023, and it’s no surprise in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and misinformation.
According to the popular dictionary publisher, there was a “substantial increase” in online searches for the word authentic in 2023, driven by stories and discussions about AI, celebrity culture, identity, and social media.
The word has several meanings, such as not false or imitation and true to one’s own personality, spirit, or character, as noted by Merriam-Webster. It is said to be often linked to national or personal identity. The words frequently modified by authentic are cuisine, dish, self, and voice.
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“Celebrities like singers Lainey Wilson, Sam Smith, and especially Taylor Swift all made headlines in 2023 with statements about seeking their ‘authentic voice’ and ‘authentic self,'” it stated.
Merriam-Webster also emphasized the rise of AI and its impact on many topics blurred the distinction between real and fake, which urged brands, social media influencers, and celebrities to prove their authenticity.
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Even the CEO and founder of X, formerly Twitter, voiced about authenticity, too. He made headlines for saying people should become “more authentic” on social media, following his decision to remove the iconic blue checkmark for verified accounts on the platform, which is now available for purchase.
Here are the other most searched words in Merriam-Webster for 2023:
- Rizz
- Deepfake
- Coronation
- Dystopian
- EGOT
- X
- Implode
- Doppelgänger
- Covenant
- Indict
- Elemental
- Kibbutz
- Deadname
In 2022, Merriam-Webster announced “gaslighting” as the word of the year.
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