New words – 26 May 2025

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recession blonde noun [U]
UK /rɪˌseʃ.ᵊn ˈblɒnd/ US /rɪˌseʃ.ᵊn ˈblɑːnd/
a darker shade of blonde hair that costs less to maintain because it needs fewer visits to the hairdresser

Recession blonde refers to the darker, more brown-tinted hue that many are letting grow in with their normally bright, golden strands. TikTok users explain that while it may look like “old-money blonde,” letting their natural roots grow actually points to how the economy is affecting their spending habits; many are opting out of their touch-up appointments to save money.
[vogue.com, 17 March 2025]

meta face noun [U]
UK /ˈmet.ə feɪs/ US /ˈmet̬.ə feɪs/
a trend where photos that have been enhanced using AI technology make everyone look similarly flawless and unrealistically beautiful

The rise of the “meta face” reflects a broader trend towards digital hyper-perfection in beauty standards. AI technology has the potential to democratize beauty but also risks reinforcing exclusive and unrealistic ideals … Emphasizing authenticity and diversity can help counteract the negative effects of the “meta face” trend.
[insighttrendsworld.com, 3 February 2025]

butter skin noun [U]
UK /ˈbʌt.ə skɪn/ US /ˈbʌt̬.ɚ skɪn/
a beauty trend where skincare and makeup products are used to create a very soft, smooth and glowing complexion

If you’re on social media, you’ll be familiar with the term “butter skin”. For the uninitiated, the trend, which depicts a smooth, butter-like skin finish, has been making waves online, with TikTokers showing how to recreate the soft-focus look via certain make-up techniques, smooth application and skincare steps.
[elle.com, 9 April 2025]

About new words

3 thoughts on “New words – 26 May 2025

  1. Molotov

    Why would the shade of your hair affect the number of visits to the hairdresser? Or are you referring to someone with dark hair dying it blonde?

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