competence hangover noun [C]
UK /ˈkɒm.pɪ.tᵊns ˌhæŋˌəʊ.vəʳ/ US /ˈkɑːm.pə.t̬ᵊns ˌhæŋˌoʊ.vɚ/
a feeling of exhaustion that follows a period of taking on too many responsibilities at work and becoming the person everyone relies on

There’s a certain kind of tiredness that women can’t quite name but feel every day at work. The type that builds slowly and silently from years of being the one who remembers, organises, fixes and absorbs – and it’s being termed the competence hangover. It’s not that you want to be that person, but everyone expects you to be. And once you recognise the symptoms of a competence hangover, it becomes impossible to unsee or ignore any longer.
[graziadaily.co.uk, 27 February 2026]

functional freeze noun [C]
UK /ˌfʌŋk.ʃᵊn.ᵊl ˈfriːz/ US /ˌfʌŋk.ʃᵊn.ᵊl ˈfriːz/
a response to stress in which someone continues to function outwardly, successfully managing their workload and responsibilities, while inwardly feeling numb, detached, or anxious.

If you’re on TikTok, you might’ve heard the phrase “functional freeze” making the rounds recently — and while the label might be new, the experience itself is anything but. It’s when you appear to be functioning, but on the inside, you’re emotionally and mentally shut down, as if you’re running on autopilot.
[womenshealthmag.com, 3 June 2025]

burnout blocking noun [U]
UK /ˈbɜːn.aʊt ˌblɒk.ɪŋ/ US /ˈbɝːn.aʊt ˌblɑː.kɪŋ/
the practice of putting strategies in place to prevent an employee from experiencing burnout or to recover from it more quickly if they do

Organizations that focus on burnout blocking, that is, a balance of proactive burnout prevention and effective reactive recovery, can create healthier, more engaged teams. By pairing thoughtful strategies with fair recognition and workplace wellness prevention, HR leaders can build cultures where employees feel supported, valued, and motivated to thrive.
[advantageclub.ai, 17 October 2025]

About new words

potato bed noun [C]
UK /pəˈteɪ.təʊ ˌbed/ US /pəˈteɪ.t̬oʊ ˌbed/
a sleep trend that involves stuffing a fitted sheet with pillows, blankets, duvets etc. to make a soft padded surface to sleep on

If your TikTok feed has recently been filled with pillow-packed beds and people curling up into homemade cocoons, you’re not alone. Enter the TikTok “potato bed”: a comfort-led trend built around the idea of feeling wrapped, supported and deeply snug. As temperatures drop and cosy cravings rise, it’s easy to see the appeal.
[realsimple.com, 30 January 2026]

revenge bedtime procrastination noun [U]
UK /rɪˌvendʒ ˈbed.taɪm prəˌkræs.tɪˌneɪ.ʃᵊn/ US /rɪˌvendʒ ˈbed.taɪm proʊˌkræs.tɪˌneɪ.ʃᵊn/
the act of staying up late to enjoy leisure time you did not have during the day, even when it means you will not get enough sleep

Have you ever stayed up late doom-scrolling, binge-watching, playing video games or just doing nothing, knowing full well you’ll pay for it tomorrow? Of course, you have. You’re not lazy. You’re taking revenge. It’s known as “revenge bedtime procrastination,” and it leads to sleep deprivation that negatively impacts next day’s engagement and productivity at work. It’s not the same as insomnia, because you choose to stay up late, even when tired. It’s more of a psychological habit where you delay sleep to reclaim personal time you feel you lost during the workday.
[forbes.com, 24 April 2025]

bedtime stacking noun [U]
/ˈbed.taɪm ˌstækɪŋ/
a trend that involves going to bed early and having a number of items such as books, a laptop, food and drink items, and skincare products near the bed so that you can carry out various activities before you go to sleep without having to get up again

A new TikTok trend called bedtime stacking is going viral among Gen Z who are transforming their beds into all-in-one spaces for relaxation, productivity and self-care. The idea is simple: go to bed early and complete as many relaxing or productive activities as possible without leaving that spot. Pham described it as doing everything from one place in a mindful way. It turns downtime into a carefully curated ritual.
[news18.com, 5 March 2026]

About new words

dogfishing noun [U]
UK /ˈdɒg.fɪʃ.ɪŋ/ US /ˈdɑːg.fɪʃ.ɪŋ/
using a photo of you with someone else’s dog in your profile on dating apps to make yourself seem more attractive to potential partners

A new word has just dropped in the dating world, and of course, it’s only making everything a lot more complicated. “Dogfishing”: a term to describe the act of using photos of dogs on your dating app profiles to make yourself more attractive to other users. Well, if you were planning on using this foolproof tactic for your own profile, we have some bad news: gals just aren’t into it anymore.
[stellar.ie, 3 October 2025]

See also catfishing

choremancing noun [U]
UK /ˈtʃɔː.mænsɪŋ/ US /ˈtʃɔːr.mænsɪŋ/
a trend where two people combine a romantic date with doing everyday tasks such as food shopping or housework

Forget wining, dining, or getting dressed up for a fancy first date. According to TikTok, you should just throw on some jeans and meet at the grocery store. This dating hack has been dubbed “choremancing,” and it’s all about romancing each other while doing chores. Think grabbing coffee then running a few errands. By doing chores together early on, you’re less likely to end up with a partner who doesn’t know how to cook, clean, or grocery shop the same way you do. Choremancing allows you to see their life skills in action.
[bustle.com, 3 March 2026]

clear coding noun [U]
UK /ˌklɪər ˈkəʊ.dɪŋ/ US /ˌklɪr ˈkoʊ.dɪŋ/
the practice of being honest and open about how you want a relationship to develop when dating someone new, rather than giving hints or confusing messages

You may have heard the whole “clear coding” term floating around the dating world. It means communicating in a clear, accurate, readily readable manner without hidden meanings or surprises. You wouldn’t, for example, design a computer program to act as if it’s not interested in a user when it really is. Similarly, in dating, clear coding is about being frank and open about yourself and your interests and intentions.
[psychologytoday.com, 27 February 2026]

About new words

fail watching noun [U]
UK /ˈfeɪl ˌwɒtʃ.ɪŋ/ US /ˈfeɪl ˌwɑːtʃ.ɪŋ/
a workplace trend where an employee tries to spot colleagues making mistakes, normally because it makes them feel better about their own abilities or performance

The new workplace buzzword “fail watching” is on the rise: watching out for colleagues’ mistakes, sometimes with an unfortunate sense of satisfaction, as it can make people feel better about their own circumstances … It’s important to recognize this behaviour and address it early, as it could escalate into more serious issues like workplace bullying if not caught from the beginning.
[goodmenproject.com, 7 December 2025]

lily padding noun [U]
/ˈlɪl.i ˌpæd.ɪŋ/
the career strategy of moving from one short-term job to another in order to gain specific skills and experience

You’re probably sick of hearing about it, but yes, the UK job market is tough right now. And now it seems “lily padding” is the latest career trend to come out of this difficult working situation. “Lily padding” is when you strategically climb the career ladder, focusing on building experience over seeking a higher salary. It’s about supercharging your employability.
[huffingtonpost.co.uk, 6 December 2025]

microshifting noun [U]
UK /ˈmaɪ.krəʊ.ʃɪf.tɪŋ/ US /ˈmaɪ.kroʊ.ʃɪf.tɪŋ/
the practice of breaking the working day into short blocks of time so that work can be fitted around other activities

Microshifting describes a workday broken into multiple short, flexible “bursts” of focused effort, often around 45 to 90 minutes, separated by stretches of personal time, family duties, or rest. Rather than clocking a continuous 9‑to‑5, a worker might log on at dawn, disappear for school drop‑off or a gym class, and return for another block in the late morning before finishing tasks in the evening.​
[fortune.com, 13 January 2026]

About new words

Norwegian life-cleaning noun [U]
UK /nɔːˌwiː.dʒən ˈlaɪf ˌkliː.nɪŋ/ US /nɔːrˌwiː.dʒən ˈlaɪf ˌkliː.nɪŋ/
the practice of gradually reducing your possessions as you get older to make your life more comfortable and make it easier for your family later

The aim of Norwegian life-cleaning is to take care of your home’s decluttering before you reach the end of your life, so you can enjoy a streamlined space for years to come, and prevent burdening your loved ones with decluttering your belongings later. However, it doesn’t matter if you’re young or old – Norwegian life-cleaning is really suitable for any person, in any phase of life.
[homesandgardens.com, 23 April 2025]

house burping noun [U]
UK /ˈhaʊs ˌbɜːpɪŋ/ US /ˈhaʊs ˌbɝːpɪŋ/
the practice of opening windows and doors for a short time, even in cold weather, to let fresh air in

House burping, a new home health trend, is the term for opening windows for 10 to 15 minutes to let fresh air in, even during the coldest months of the year. The trend is currently making rounds on TikTok, with one video shared earlier this month showing a woman opening the front door of her home, reminding people to “burp” their houses for five to 10 minutes a day.
[independent.co.uk, 23 January 2026]

zero-bills home noun [C]
UK /ˌzɪə.rəʊ.bɪlz ˈhəʊm/ US /ˌzɪr.oʊ.bɪlz ˈhoʊm/
a home that has been fitted with insulation, solar panels etc. so that it produces as much energy as it consumes and the householder does not receive any gas or electricity bills

Many people in the UK are taking advantage of private schemes to reduce their energy bills, buying “zero-bills homes” not only to reduce their energy bills, but remove them entirely … The switch to a zero-bills home doesn’t necessarily come cheap, though. Depending on the size of the houses, and if any of the accessories are pre-installed, the average cost of technology and installation can range from £5,000 to £20,000.
[theweek.com, 21 January 2026]

About new words

treatonomics noun [U]
UK /ˌtriːtəˈnɒm.ɪks/ US /ˌtriːtəˈnɑː.mɪks/
an economic trend where people buy small, inexpensive treats during times when living costs are high and they cannot afford bigger purchases

Maybe it’s that fancy latte, a piece of dark chocolate, or a $5 snack you didn’t need but wanted. That little indulgence feels like a reward, a reset, and a reminder that joy can come in small doses. That’s treatonomics. “Treatonomics” is a consumer trend and marketing term for spending on small, affordable luxuries or experiences to gain a mood boost and combat economic anxiety.
[sunsplashmediagroup.com, 27 September 2025]

exfluencer noun [C]
UK /ˈeks.flu.ən.səʳ/ US /ˈeks.flu.ən.sɚ/
a former influencer who has stopped creating online content and promoting products on social media, and now lives a more private life

The first half of the 2020s brought an influx of people making a living recording their lives as social media influencers, but the initial descent of the decade will be distinguished by a new phenomenon: the exfluencer. The constant grind of that life has already led some prominent people to hang up their hats (or tripods) for greener pastures.
[nytimes.com, 31 December 2025]

shoppertainment noun [U]
UK /ˌʃɒp.ə.ˈteɪn.mənt/ US /ˌʃɑː.pɚˈteɪn.mənt/
a marketing approach that combines activities such as livestreams and interactive content with the process of selling products, to make shopping a fun and enjoyable experience for the consumer

Several brands are already making shoppertainment a reality. Sephora’s Virtual Artist app, for instance, allows customers to try on makeup virtually, making beauty shopping both personal and interactive. Lego’s in-store build stations engage children in creative play while their parents shop, making it a family-friendly experience.
[medium.com, 20 March 2025]

About new words

clip farming noun [U]
UK /ˈklɪp ˌfɑː.mɪŋ/ US /ˈklɪp ˌfɑːr.mɪŋ/
the act of deliberately doing or saying something shocking or dramatic in a video on social media with the aim of producing short videos that are then widely shared online

Clip farming is a debated tactic in the streaming world that is used as a growth hack for creators. At its core, clip farming is when a streamer does or says something intentionally outrageous, funny, or shocking on stream—just to get clipped and shared. It’s like clickbait, but live.
[streamlabs.com, 11 July 2025]

nuisance streamer noun [C]
UK /ˈnjuː.sᵊns ˌstriː.məʳ/ US /ˈnuː.sᵊns ˌstriː.mɚ/
a live streamer who deliberately annoys people or causes trouble in public or online in order to attract viewers and followers

The stance is growing increasingly common across East and Southeast Asia: When it comes to nuisance streamers — online personalities who livestream their travels, often leaning on transgressive behavior as a means of creating viral content — criminal behavior is being met not with slaps on the wrist or expedited deportation but with serious legal consequences.
[japantimes.co.jp, 27 December 2025]

dark social noun [U]
UK /ˌdɑːk ˈsəʊ.ʃəl/ US /ˌdɑːrk ˈsoʊ.ʃəl/
the sharing of content privately online rather than on public social media platforms, making it difficult to track where the content has come from

Public likes and comments are fading while private chats are exploding. This quiet migration has a name: dark social. Dark social isn’t as sinister as it sounds. It’s simply the collective term for private or semi-private channels where people pass links, screenshots, memes, and recommendations.
[thedigitalage.co.uk, 26 September 2025]

About new words

FOBO noun [U]
UK /ˈfəʊ.bəʊ/ US /ˈfoʊ.boʊ/
abbreviation for “fear of becoming obsolete”: a worried feeling that you may lose your job because your role can be done by AI

Rapid AI advances present an alluring opportunity for businesses to boost productivity and efficiency. But while CEOs battle their FOMO and race to adopt the new technology, their employees are experiencing a different side of the AI revolution — FOBO, the fear of becoming obsolete. It refers to workers’ fears that the speed of artificial-intelligence development is outpacing the reskilling of employees, leaving them redundant in the workplace.
[businessinsider.com, 27 January 2025]

See also FOMO

vibe revenue noun [U]
UK /ˈvaɪb ˌrev.ᵊn.juː/ US /ˈvaɪb ˌrev.ə.nuː/
money or funding that an AI company is given because people are excited about the potential of AI, rather than because the company’s products are already successful

His concerns were mirrored by the CEO of Picsart, who highlighted that many AI startups are attracting substantial funding without generating significant revenue. He referred to this trend as companies being valued based on “vibe revenue”, a term describing speculative investment rather than solid sales figures.
[benzatine.com, 13 November 2025]

bragawatts noun [plural]
UK /ˈbræg.ə.wɒts/ US /ˈbræg.ə.wɑːts/
the practice of AI companies boasting about very large projects to create excitement and attract investment, even though many of these projects are never completed

Given the practical problems and enormous costs AI data centres face, is the whole movement really one big bubble? One speaker at a recent conference coined the term “bragawatts” to describe how the industry is talking up the scale of proposed AI sites. “The current trajectory is very difficult to believe. There has certainly been a lot of bragging going on. But investment has to deliver a return or the market will correct itself.”
[bbc.co.uk/news, 23 September 2025]

About new words