New words – 13 April 2026

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French Sunday noun [C]
/ˌfrentʃ ˈsʌn.deɪ/
a relaxed Sunday, inspired by the French way of life, that involves spending time with friends and family, eating good food, and going for walks, rather than doing chores or housework

Like most fashionable trends, “French Sunday” comes from France, but was most recently popularized by Vogue … According to the Vogue article, “French Sundays” are supposed to be “lazy, stress-free days, when the main activity is to do nothing” — the exact opposite of productivity hacks that encourage people to use Sundays to prep for next week’s meals, do that load of laundry, clean your space, review your calendar, and lay out your work clothes (making Sundays practically a sixth day of work).
[fastcompany.com, 27 February 2026]

joy snacking noun [U]
/ˈdʒɔɪ ˌsnækɪŋ/
taking pleasure in the small positive moments that make you happy throughout the day

Our brains are wired to focus on what’s urgent, often skipping over what’s enjoyable. But research shows that small, repeated positive experiences can boost mood, reduce stress, and increase overall life satisfaction. Joy snacking is about training your brain to notice and amplify positivity, shifting your focus from what’s missing to what’s already present.
[thoughtfulorganizing.com, 17 March 2025]

dopamine menu noun [C]
UK /ˈdəʊ.pə.miːn ˌmen.juː/ US /ˈdoʊ.pəˌmiːn ˌmen.juː/
a list of activities and small treats that you choose from when you want to feel happier

A dopamine menu is a curated list of healthy habits and activities designed to naturally elevate your dopamine levels and make you feel pleasure, motivation, and reward. The idea behind a dopamine menu is to provide an actionable and sustainable approach to improve your mood and prioritize your mental well-being.
[theeverygirl.com, 25 March 2025]

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