New words – 21 March 2011

cashless adjective not using or allowing the use of cash payments

There are also trials involving Stagecoach buses in Liverpool and black cabs in London, while several UK music festivals are expected to go cashless next summer. [The Guardian (UK broadsheet) 02 Oct 2010]

contactless adjective refers to a system of debit or credit cards which are waved over a sensor and do not require pin numbers

Contactless cards have been hyped as the next big thing in banking and retail because they let people pay for less costly items (£15 or less) without having to key in a pin number or scrabble around for cash. [The Guardian (UK broadsheet) 02 Oct 2010]

funemployment noun enjoyable unemployment

As frivolous as it sounds, funemployment is a statement about American society. Experts say it’s both a reflection of the country’s cultural narcissism – and attitudes of entitlement and self-centeredness – and a backlash against corporate America and its ‘Dilbert’-like work environment.

[www.latimes.com 31 Oct 2010]

nevertiree noun a person past retirement age who still works

Instead of planning a conventional retirement or making plans to retire early, most of our respondents aspire to keep on working in some form – to become a Nevertiree rather than a retiree.

[www.barclayswealth.com 27 Dec 2010]

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6 thoughts on “New words – 21 March 2011

  1. Harry

    A gloss on “contactless.” I have heard and read “to prox” used as a verb to mean “use a contactless card.” In other words, you just have to wave it in the proximity of the reader. Typical usage: “You’ll need to prox your college ID to get in the building.”

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