Linkster noun [C]
UK /ˈlɪŋk.stəʳ/ US /ˈlɪŋk.stɚ/
someone born after the year 2002, said to be “linked” into technology since birth

So, the Linkster population – estimated to make up 18 per cent of the world’s population – grew up with social media, smart phones and apps. Not only this, but someone born in 2002 is just going to have turned 15 years old, meaning they are developing into adults surrounded by … the help, expertise and pressures of social media, the internet and advanced technology.
[www.independent.co.uk, 11 April 2017]

perennial noun [C]
/pəˈren.i.əl/
a middle-aged woman whose behaviour, interests and attitudes are traditionally thought to be those of younger women

“Perennials are ever-blooming, relevant people of all ages who know what’s happening in the world, stay current with technology and have friends of all ages. We get involved, stay curious, mentor others, and are passionate, compassionate, creative, confident, collaborative, global-minded risk takers.”
[The Sunday Telegraph, 2 July 2017]

Xennial noun [C]
/ˈzen.i.əl/
someone born between 1977 and 1983, between Generation X and the millennial generation

Typically, Xennials don’t have the apathy and cynicism associated with the Gen X generation, but they also lack the dogged optimism of millennials, who are said to overestimate their potential because they were raised to believe that they were “special.” Xennials fall somewhere in between these two extremes.
[www.ukbusinessinsider.com, 30 June 2017]

About new words

biobag noun [C]
UK /ˈbaɪ.əʊ.bæg/ US /ˈbaɪ.oʊ.bæg/
a plastic bag filled with a special liquid that can keep an animal alive that has been born prematurely by mimicking the conditions of its mother’s womb

An artificial womb that could someday sustain extremely prematurely born infants has managed to keep baby sheep alive for four weeks. The womb, called a “biobag,” is a plastic bag filled with fluid to mimic the conditions inside of a uterus.
[www.scientificamerican.com, 25 April 2017]

cobot noun [C]
UK /ˈkəʊ.bɒt/ US /ˈkoʊ.bɑːt/
a robot that works alongside humans on the same tasks

Hunched side by side over a conveyor belt, the robots pluck USB ports from small plastic palettes. With barely a whir, they move them to a second conveyor before pushing them into pinprick holes in green circuit boards … The “collaborative” robots, or “cobots”, are part of a new chapter in an unlikely British manufacturing success story.
[The Guardian, 13 May 2017]

mixed reality noun [U]
UK /mɪkst.riˈæl.ə.ti/ US /mɪkst.riˈæl.ə.t̬i/
a set of images and sounds that combine virtual reality with the real world, allowing them to interact in real time

Microsoft’s betting that 3D and mixed reality will be a big deal in the future, as computer-generated images move from the laptop, tablet and phone screens we’re used to seeing, and into glasses or goggles that overlay them on the real world. Beyond laptops, Microsoft also showed off other mixed reality experiences using special headsets.
[www.cnet.com, 2 May 2017]

About new words

cloud eggs noun [plural]
/klaʊdˈegz/
a savoury dish made by baking small mounds of whisked egg whites with a whole egg yolk in the centre of each one

Fluffy clouds with a yellow centre are sweeping social media and it’s all thanks to the latest breakfast fad. In the latest trend to emerge on Instagram food fiends are skipping poached, scrambled and fried and opting for cloud eggs. The egg-ceptional looking dish is made by separating the egg yolk from the white and is popular among health nuts coming in at just 161 calories.
[Daily Mail, 7 May 2017]

Crotilla noun [C]
UK /krəʊ.ˈtiː.ə/ US /krəʊ.ˈtiː.jə/ TRADEMARK
a brand name for a type of food that is shaped like a tortilla (a type of thin, round Mexican bread) but made of pastry layers like a croissant

Meet the Crotilla, aka a cross between a croissant and a tortilla. It’s an invention exclusive to Walmart, and it’s proof that we haven’t seen every possible food hybrid even if it feels like we have. The Crotilla is shaped like a tortilla but tastes like a buttery, flaky croissant. The product’s own description is that it’s a “flaky flatbread fusion of croissant and tortilla made with butter.”
[www.popsugar.com, 25 April 2017]

mermaid toast noun [U]
UK /ˈmɜː.meɪd.təʊst/ US /ˈmɝː.meɪd.toʊst/
toasted bread topped with cream cheese that has been brightly coloured with ingredients such as algae powder, beetroot and turmeric and sometimes with other ingredients on top

That’s right; mermaid toast is officially a thing. No, you’re not dreaming. Yes, it’s edible, and yes, it’s actually healthy! Adeline’s aquatic creations are made by mixing blue green algae powder, a nutrient-dense superfood, with homemade almond milk cream cheese — yum!
[www.popsugar.com, 14 March 2017]

About new words

frequency patch noun [C]
/ˈfriː.kwən.si.pætʃ/
a small piece of material that can be stuck to the skin, from which particular substances can be absorbed into the body that are said to help with tiredness and some illnesses

Kritzer and her team draw on an alternative healing method called “frequency patches” … that operate under the belief that our bodies work best when we’re vibrating at a specific internal frequency — a sweet spot in the neighborhood of 62-72Hz. The stickers are “programmed” to mimic this optimum level, and Kritzter says you can “replenish any deficiencies” and raise your “vibration to the perfect frequency” by wearing them for a month.
[www.sportluxe.com, 3 November 2016]

heartilage piercing noun [C]
UK /ˈhɑː.tᵊl.ɪdʒ.ˌpɪə.sɪŋ/ US /ˈhɑːr.t̬ᵊl.ɪdʒ.ˌpɪr.sɪŋ/
a hole made in the cartilage of the top of the ear so that a heart-shaped earring can be worn

There’s no denying that it’s difficult to design a unique yet chic cartilage earring simply because of the sensitivity and location on the ear, but a piercing legend in New York City … simply removed the bead from his client’s cartilage ring, turned in the metal ends, and shaped the piercing into a heart. Robbie’s creativity with the heartilage piercing might have been inspired by his frequent heart daith piercings, the innermost area of cartilage, which he often pierces with a beaded heart ring.
[www.popsugar.com, 9 March 2017]

helix tattoo noun [C]
/ˈhiː.lɪks.tætˈuː/
a tattoo on the top of the outer ridge of the ear

 All over Instagram, people are proudly showcasing a snazzy new tattooing trend: the helix tattoo. As its name suggests, this trend is simply getting a tattoo on the ear’s upper-outer curve. It’s going big recently thanks to Seoul-based tattoo artist Zihee, who’s been creating all kinds of delicate, nature-inspired designs on people’s ears.
[Metro, 26 April 2017]

About new words

rooftopper noun [C]
UK /ˈruːf.tɒp.əʳ/ US /ˈruːf.tɑːpɚ/
someone who climbs onto the roof of a high building to take photographs, often putting themselves in physical danger

This is the heart stopping moment a daredevil rooftopper climbs a New York skyscraper. The dizzying snaps show stunning scenes across the Big Apple from high up on the top of the concrete jungle’s landmark skyscrapers.
[www.storytrender.com, 29 March 2017]

experience economy noun [U]
UK /ɪkˈspɪə.ri.əns.iˈkɒn.ə.mi/ US /ɪkˈspɪr.i.əns.iˈkɑː.nə.mi/
an economic system that is based on people doing things, such as taking part in sporting activities and visiting places, rather than buying things

A series of studies is revealing strange things about our spending habits. They call it the “experience economy”, which gives it the sense of a grand theory. And there is science behind it, but it’s also very simple: regardless of political uncertainty, austerity and inflation, we are spending more on doing stuff, choosing instead to cut back on buying stuff.
[The Guardian, 13 May 2017]

tombstone tourist noun [C]
UK /ˈtuːm.stəʊn.ˈtʊə.rɪ.st/ US /ˈtuːm.stoʊn.ˈtʊr.ɪ.st/
someone who visits the graves of famous people for enjoyment

Visiting a graveyard for enjoyment is not everyone’s cup of tea. But tombstone tourists – or “taphophiles” – are increasingly to be found wandering through cemeteries, examining headstones, and generally enjoying the sombre atmosphere. 
[www.bbc.co.uk/news, 7 May 2017]

About new words

procrastination nanny noun [C]
UK /prəˌkræs.tɪˈneɪ.ʃᵊn.næn.i/ US /proʊˌkræs.tɪˈneɪ.ʃᵊn.næn.i/
a person whose job is to encourage you to do tasks that you have been putting off

Speaking of acting like children, the latest Stateside trend is to get yourself a ‘procrastination nanny’ aka a professional motivator who sits with you and keeps you on track with tasks that you might not feel like doing. Oh grow up and get on with it, I say!
[barbaradaleyhair.co.uk, 1 May 2017]

air nanny noun [C]
UK /ˈeəʳ.næn.i/ US /ˈer.næn.i/
a woman whose job is to take care of a particular family’s children during a flight

The air nanny will do everything for the children from keeping them entertained to making the flight pass smoothly, to preparing the child/children for bed and sleep. Air nannies will ultimately make the flight enjoyable for the entire family. And frankly, who in their right mind wouldn’t want that?
[www.edenprivatestaff.com, 1 April 2017]

nanny cam noun [C]
/ˈnæn.i.kæm/
a camera hidden in a home that films the activities of the people employed to look after the children

Some nanny cams don’t look like cameras at all. They are meant to go undetected. Some nanny cams look like teddy bears while others look like cameras and are meant to be placed in a household object to hide it.
[asecurelife.com, 3 February 2017]

About new words

avocado hand noun [U]
UK /ˌæv.əˈkɑː.dəʊ.hænd/ US /ˌæv.əˈkɑː.doʊ.hænd/
an injury that results when you use a knife to try to remove the stone from an avocado and cut your hand instead

Simon Eccles, secretary of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, explained how he now treats up to four people a week for avocado hand. When slippery fruit meets sharp knife and hard stone, intricate surgery is often required to mend the deep lacerations.
[The Telegraph, 15 May 2017]

Q noun [U]
/kjuː/
a chewy texture typical of food from Taiwan

Q is a springy, chewy texture … it’s a cornerstone of Taiwanese cooking so revered it appears repeatedly throughout the day in dishes both sweet and savory, hot and cold, and even in drinks.
[www.roadsandkingdoms.com, May 2017]

runch noun [C]
/rʌntʃ/
a run that you do for exercise during your lunch break

For many trail runners, “runch” is the most important meal of the day. Running at lunch provides a predictable window of opportunity to conquer some miles. Most office jobs involve about an hour of lunch, which is enough time to get a solid aerobic stimulus before sitting in front of a computer for a few more hours.
[www.trailrunnermag.com, 16 May 2017]

About new words

guideshop noun [C]
UK /ˈgaɪd.ʃɒp/ US /ˈgaɪd.ʃɑːp/
a shop where customers can see and try products then order them to be delivered to their home, but which does not stock them for sale

By letting customers try out products but not stocking apparel for sale, Bonobos can cut costs with smaller stores, offer a wider selection of styles and fits, and focus on customer service rather than inventory management, Dunn said. He declined to comment on the company’s growth or revenues but said the guideshops are profitable.
[Chicago Tribune, 20 April 2016]

retailtainment noun [U]
/ˌriː.teɪlˈteɪn.mənt/
the use of sound, lighting and entertaining activities to encourage shoppers to buy things

Chinese shoppers can expect to see more emphasis on retailtainment that falls into the health and fitness category, reflecting a growing consumer interest in healthy lifestyles. Not only does this mean malls are likely to make space for more sport facilities, but also that developers will set aside retail space for niche brands trying to make it into the China market.
[www.luxurysociety.com, 3 February 2017]

community mall noun [C]
UK /kəˈmjuː.nə.ti.mɔːl/ US /kəˈmjuː.nə.t̬i.mɑːl/
a small, open-air shopping mall, usually with plants, trees and an outdoor seating area

There are at least two dozen “community malls” in Bangkok, often opened by small businesses … rather than the development giants whose outlets attract the likes of Prada, Cartier and Gucci. They also target a specific demographic, even if they are technically open to all.
[The Guardian, 3 April 2017]

About new words

ecotherapy noun [U]
UK /ˈiː.kəʊ.θer.ə.pi/ US /ˈiː.koʊ.θer.ə.pi/
a method of improving someone’s well-being by engaging them in outdoor activities such as gardening and conservation work

Mind has funded 130 ecotherapy projects and helped more than 12,000 people in the process. One such project uses gardening and growing food to help people with mental health issues improve their sense of wellbeing. Green exercise therapy – walking in nature – has also proven to be effective.
[www.mindfood.com, 16 December 2016]

clean meat noun [U]
/ˈkliːn.mi:t/
meat that has been grown in a laboratory from self-reproducing cells

There are concerns about clean meat however. Some people wonder whether meat eaters will even want to eat it. They might be so stuck in their ways that the thought of eating animal products produced by a radical new method will seem weird and disgusting to them. Some meat eaters I’ve spoken to are repulsed by the idea of eating “meat grown in a lab”, even after I remind them that all processed foods start in a lab before they are mass produced in a factory.
[The Guardian, 18 April 2017]

FODMAP noun [C]
UK /ˈfɒd.mæp/ US /ˈfɑːd.mæp/
abbreviation for ‘fermentable oligo-saccharides, di-saccharides, mono-saccharides and polyols’: one of a group of naturally occurring sugars that are said to be a possible cause of stomach pain and problems with digestion

In one trial, avoiding foods with FODMAPs was shown to reduce IBS symptoms in 76% of sufferers. This isn’t easy – lots of foods have FODMAPs, including anything containing wheat, dairy, fruits like apples, pears and peaches, and vegetables including onions.
[Sainsbury’s Magazine, April 2017]

About new words

hack day noun [C]
/ˈhæk.deɪ/
an event at which employees of a company meet to discuss problems or ideas

Online property marketplace Hubble used an internal hack day as a team-building exercise and also to identify and fulfil new opportunities. With a hearty breakfast to get the creative juices flowing, and celebratory beer and pizzas afterwards, the chance to spend a day away from regular activities got the company’s 20 employees enthusiastic about taking part.
[The Telegraph, 10 March 2017]

crowdspeaking noun [U]
/ˈkraʊd.spiː.kɪŋ/
a marketing activity where each follower of a person or company on social media sends out an identical message at the same time

Social media is an easy way to say something, but it’s a difficult way to be heard. Thunderclap is the first-ever crowdspeaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together. It allows a single message to be mass-shared, flash mob-style, so it rises above the noise of your social networks.
[help.thunderclap.it, 26 March 2017]

self-disruption noun [U]
/self.dɪsˈrʌp.ʃᵊn/
a major change made by a company to its traditional activities

For obvious reasons, reducing the number of insurance claims seems like a negative thing for insurance companies. If technology can prevent accidents from happening, then insurance companies will suffer. Fewer accidents means fewer claims, so why on earth has Direct Line embarked on a policy of self-disruption?
[disruptionhub.com, 20 February 2017]

About new words