Every year, the German Langenscheidt Verlag chooses the Youth Word of the Year. In 2023, “goofy” took the title. Now, the list with the top 10 has been released for this year.
Where the words come from and what they mean.
1. Akh
… is the Arabic word for “brother“. It is used as a form of address for a friend or acquaintance.
2. Aura
… is used for someone’s charisma or aura. In many videos, it is given a score. Those who do cool things earn aura points. If something embarrassing happens to someone, they get minus aura.
3. Digga(h)
… stands for buddy and has been established in the vocabulary of (German) youth for years. It has also appeared on the list before, and will do so again in 2024.
4. Hölle nein
… is the literal translation of the English “hell no” and is also used in the same way as a strong rejection. Get up at 6 tomorrow? Hell no!
5. Nein Pascal, ich denke nicht
… is something that has filled the comment sections on TikTok or Instagram recently. It is mainly used to reject completely unrealistic expectations from someone. The expression originated from a clip in the reality soap “Help Me! Young, broke, desperate” on RTL 2. No further explanation is necessary, see for yourself.
6. Pyrotechnik
… is prohibited in soccer stadiums. For many soccer fans, the beloved choreographies with flares are one of the highlights in the stadium. TikTok user “Balkonultra” made this a theme in a fan song that went completely viral.
During the European Championship fever, the song stuck in the heads of thousands, and there were also parodied lyrics about “office technology” with printers, laptops, and keyboards in hand. However, with Mallorca schlager singers Marc Eggers and Ikke Hüftgold, Niko Thoms a.k.a. Balkonultra even made it into the German charts and into the Megapark at Ballermann.
7. Schere
… originally comes from gaming. Whoever “lifts the scissors” admits guilt or a mistake.
8. Talahon
… comes from Arabic and means “come here”. It is mainly meant to describe a stereotypical appearance, which has turned into a much-criticized trend on social media. The “Talahon starter pack” includes a Gucci cap and a fanny pack, with something from Balenciaga or Louis Vuitton being ideal. The outfit is completed with a tough demeanor, shadow boxing, and often sexist behavior towards women.
9. YOLO
Does anyone still say that? “You only live once” seems to be making a comeback on the list. It was chosen as the Youth Word of the Year in 2012, and the term appears to have a second life in the Langenscheidt Verlag’s list.
10. Yurr
… originally comes from New York and American slang. It can be used as a greeting or agreement.
You can vote at the Langenscheidt Verlag until September 3. The top 3 will proceed to the finals starting September 10.