‘Demure’ is Dictionary.com’s word of the year : NPR

“Demure” is Dictionary.com’s phrase of the yr, with all of the credit score for its recognition going to way of life and sweetness influencer Jools Lebron and her catchphrase, “very demure, very conscious.”

“Demure” means “reserved, quiet, or modest,” however the response to Lebron’s use of the phrase was something however.

Dictionary.com calls demure’s rise in utilization “meteoric” in 2024, after Lebron began utilizing it in early August.

“Between August 2023 and July 2024, there was no important development within the utilization of the phrase demure,” in line with Dictionary.com. “By the week of Aug. 18, 2024, nonetheless, there was nearly 14 instances extra curiosity within the time period, highlighting the time period’s nearly in a single day explosion in recognition. On the peak of the development, demure had 200 instances extra searches on Dictionary.com than it did on dates previous August.”

Dictionary.com’s lexicographers analyze headlines, social media traits, search engine outcomes and different knowledge to provide you with its phrase of the yr, calling it a “linguistic time capsule” that captures “pivotal moments in language and tradition.”

The second was definitely pivotal for Lebron. Her TikTok audience skyrocketed. Celebrities, together with Jennifer Lopez and Khloé Kardashian, made their very own “demure” movies. Lebron was interviewed on CBS Mornings and appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Dwell! with visitor host RuPaul.

“Very demure, very conscious” was so standard, there was a surge in trademark purposes by individuals attempting to capitalize on Lebron’s motto.

Lebron reacted demurely to the information.

Different phrases that stood out for Dictionary.com’s lexicographers this yr had been “brainrot,” “brat” and “excessive climate.”