brain flossing noun [U]
UK /ˈbreɪn ˌflɒs.ɪŋ/ US /ˈbreɪn ˌflɑːs.ɪŋ/
a way of relaxing and reducing stress that involves listening through headphones to music and other sounds that have been recorded in such a way that they seem to move around the listener

The concept behind brain flossing is simple: it involves listening to 8D audio – sounds that shift between the left and right ears, creating a dynamic, immersive effect. Some people describe it as a mental reset, much like flossing removes plaque from your teeth, but for your brain instead.
[lucylovesme.co.uk, 24 February 2025]

benevolence bump noun [C]
/bəˈnev.ᵊl.ᵊns ˌbʌmp/
a period of time when people are generally kinder and more helpful to each other

The world experienced a “benevolence bump” of kindness during the Covid-19 pandemic that has remained, with generous acts more than 10% above pre-pandemic levels. The annual World Happiness Report found that in 2024, acts such as donating and volunteering were more frequent than in 2017–19 in all generations and almost all global regions.
[theguardian.com, 19 March 2025]

cosymaxxing noun [U]
UK /ˈkəʊ.ziˌmæks.ɪŋ/ US / ˈkoʊ.ziˌmæks.ɪŋ/
the act of creating a warm, comfortable, relaxing environment around you to decrease or avoid stress

Cosymaxxing is the newest buzz on social media that encourages one to embrace the simple joy of feeling at ease in your own space. Whether it’s wrapping up in a blanket, lighting candles, or just sinking into your favourite spot at home, this trend encourages slowing down and creating your own menu of comfort.
[firstpost.com, 30 March 2025]

About new words

cardboard box index noun [C, usually S]
UK /ˌkɑːd.bɔːd ˈbɒks ˌɪn.deks/ US /ˌkɑːrd.bɔːrd ˈbɑːks ˌɪn.deks/
a way of measuring the health of the economy according to how many cardboard boxes are being produced or shipped, since these are widely used for packaging the goods that people buy

The cardboard box index is a tracker that provides a different angle on supply chain data. Drops in cardboard shipments often precede slowdowns in manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce. It tanked in the 2008 crash and flagged early weakness in late 2022.
[Hot Topics, linkedin.com, 2 June 2025]

vibecession noun [C]
/vaɪb.ˈseʃ.ᵊn/
a period when people feel that the economy is doing badly, even if it is actually stable or growing

But there is a disconnect between people’s negative perceptions about the economy and the latest, relatively promising macroeconomic data. Despite the doom-and-gloom outlook, the UK economy is showing signs of improvement. This disparity between consumer sentiment and economic data has been dubbed a “vibecession”.
[raconteur.net, 14 April 2025]

cloudflation noun [U]
/klaʊd.ˈfleɪ.ʃən/
the rising costs of cloud-based computing services

The past decade has shown how easily IT spending can spin out of control due to issues like “cloudflation” and shadow IT. Organizations are now more aware than ever of the importance of getting ahead of unnecessary spending — which is why increased IT budgets in 2025 will likely be accompanied by greater pressure on IT teams to optimize resources from a cost perspective.
[itprotoday.com, 2 January 2025]

About new words

celeb bait noun [U]
/səˈleb ˌbeɪt/
an attempt to steal private information or money from someone by using fake photographs of a celebrity and messages claiming to be from them

Celeb bait is a cyber scam where cyber criminals use images of celebrities to lure victims into clicking malicious links or ads that lead to fraudulent websites. The scammers exploit the trust and popularity of celebrities to make their schemes seem more legitimate.
[https://em360tech.com/, 2 April 2025]

whaling attack noun [C]
/ˈweɪ.lɪŋ əˌtæk/
an attempt to trick a very senior person in a company into giving private information, usually by sending an email pretending to be someone they know

Whaling attacks specifically pursue an organization’s C-suite executives, senior management, and other high-profile decision-makers who have privileged access to sensitive data and financial resources … Unlike traditional phishing attacks that cast a wide net, whaling attacks are highly personalized and selective in their targeting.
[proofpoint.com, 5 March 2025]

wrench attack noun [C]
/ˈrentʃ əˌtæk/
an attempt to steal private information from someone by threatening or physically harming them

In November, Rubenfeld finally succeeded in persuading insurance giant Lloyd’s of London to include wrench attacks in the policy that AnchorWatch offers to its customers. For an annual cost starting at 0.55% of the Bitcoin they want to protect, customers can now be insured against violent Bitcoin robberies.
[fortune.com, 3 February 2025]

About new words

tadpole water noun [U]
UK /ˈtæd.pəʊl ˌwɔː.təʳ/ US /ˈtæd.poʊl ˌwɑː.t̬ɚ/
a drink made from warm water, chia seeds and lemon

Tadpole water is the newest viral health trend on social media, with wellness influencers uploading videos sharing their recipes on TikTok and reporting health benefits. Popular among Gen Z, tadpole water gets its name thanks to its gloopy texture making it look like frog spawn, but fear not, it is in fact made from chia seeds.
[scotsman.com, 20 September 2024]

lemonading noun [U]
/ˌlem.əˈneɪ.dɪŋ/
a way of approaching problems or challenges in life that involves remaining positive and optimistic and seeing them as opportunities for growth or improvement

When life gives you lemons, what do you do? According to a new study, ‘lemonading’ can help you feel better. Originating from positive psychology, the concept of lemonading is all about creatively approaching hurdles as opportunities for growth. It’s not about brushing things under the carpet or faking a smile in the way you might expect from toxic positivity, but rather, about pursuing the possibility of enjoyable experiences among, and perhaps as a result of, the challenges you face.
[happiful.com, 21 February 2025]

gut pop noun [U]
UK /ˈgʌt ˌpɒp/ US /ˈgʌt ˌpɑːp/
a fizzy drink that helps good bacteria grow in your body and may keep you healthy

Sales of so-called gut pop are growing in the U.S. as more consumers shift from sugary soda mainstays to healthier, more natural alternatives. With traditional soda sales gone flat, both companies are jumping into the prebiotic soft-drink market now dominated by upstart brands Olipop and Poppi. The two startups have aggressively marketed gut pop into the zeitgeist.
[msn.com, 18 February 2025]

About new words

career catfishing noun [U]
UK /kəˌrɪər ˈkæt.fɪʃ.ɪŋ/ US /kəˌrɪr ˈkæt.fɪʃ.ɪŋ/
the act of accepting a job offer but then not arriving at work on the first day of employment, or any other day after that

“Career catfishing” — the trend of job seekers accepting a job and refusing to show up on the first day — is a reflection of simmering gripes from a new generation of workers. It’s one way Gen Z tries to take back power in their professional lives, but it’s also a sign of a deeper and growing divide between big business and the younger generation.
[forbes.com, 2 February 2025]

See also catfishing

taskmasking noun [U]
UK /ˈtɑːsk.mɑːs.kɪŋ/ US /ˈtæsk.mæs.kɪŋ/
appearing to be busy at work when you are actually not working very much at all

Taskmasking is not necessarily just a new name for procrastination … it’s effectively ‘performative productivity’ – creating the illusion of being hard at work when really, we’re not achieving much at all. However, while it’s easy to simply dismiss taskmasking as laziness or boredom, workplace experts have indicated that sudden changes to workplace expectations and environments [are the] reason why an increasing number of workers consider themselves guilty of it.
[harpersbazaar.com, 27 March 2025]

chronoworking noun [U]
UK /ˈkrɒn.əʊ.wɜː.kɪŋ/ US /ˈkrɑː.noʊ.wɝː.kɪŋ/
adapting your working hours to when you feel most awake and energetic

Our circadian rhythms operate on different schedules, but for many office-based staff, work is the one place where we’re all expected to log-in and log-off at the same time. Thankfully, the new workplace trend of “chronoworking” promises to help those who find they are most productive outside the traditional nine to five by allowing for more flexibility in our working hours.
[raconteur.net, 31 January 2024]

About new words

glampervanning noun [U]
UK /ˈglæm.pə.væn.ɪŋ/ US /ˈglæm.pɚ.væn.ɪŋ/
a holiday in a camper van that is more comfortable and luxurious than traditional campervanning

Glampervanning is all about merging the thrill of camping with the comfort of a luxurious stay. Imagine having all the perks of glamorous camping—sleeping under the stars, waking up to breathtaking views, and exploring rugged landscapes—while enjoying modern amenities like a cozy bed, a fully equipped kitchen, and stylish interiors.
[vdubadventures.com, 26 September 2024]

See also glamping

airport theory noun [U]
UK /ˈeə.pɔːt ˌθɪə.ri/ US /ˈer.pɔːrt ˌθɪr.i/
a social media trend where travellers arrive at the airport 15–20 minutes before their flight departs, rather than several hours earlier, getting to the departure gate just as boarding begins

If airports weren’t already a hellscape, TikTok has found a way to make them worse. Welcome to airport theory, a viral delusion that suggests you can roll up to the airport 15 minutes before boarding, waltz through security, and still make your flight with time to spare. No stress, no waiting, just pure main character energy. It’s a fun fantasy, which explains why “airport theory” has racked up over 400 million views on TikTok.
[wired.com, 18 March 2025]

me-moon noun [C]
/ˈmiː.muːn/
a luxury holiday you take on your own

With social media feeds feeling increasingly flooded with honeymoon and babymoon posts, a fresh trend is on the rise in response: the ‘me-moon’. Instead of following the crowd, 23 per cent are embracing their own ‘main character energy’ with a solo me-moon. But, it’s not all about isolation. Twenty-one per cent of those wanting a me-moon are out to meet new friends, while 12 per cent are looking for a little romance along the way.
[dailymail.co.uk, 30 September 2024]

See also honeymoon, babymoon

About new words

neocloud noun [C]
UK /ˈniː.əʊˌklaʊd/ US /ˈniː.oʊˌklaʊd/
a start-up that specializes in AI-based cloud computing

The race to dominate the AI industry is heating up, and it’s not just big tech in the spotlight. Startups known as “neoclouds” are redefining the landscape, competing with established giants … The rise of neoclouds represents a shift in how AI infrastructure is built and deployed. As the AI revolution unfolds, the contributions of neoclouds will undoubtedly play a crucial role.
[tlciscreative.com, 24 January 2025]

smartphone face noun [U]
UK /ˈsmɑːt.fəʊn ˌfeɪs/ US /ˈsmɑːrt.foʊn ˌfeɪs/
the situation where an actor’s face looks too modern for them to be believable in a drama set in the past

In a nutshell, “smartphone face” refers to people who look as though they’re from modern times. But when placed in a different time period for a play, TV show or even a movie, there’s just something about them that doesn’t feel believable, even after the makeup and costume departments have worked their magic.
[yahoo.com, 17 May 2023]

DPP noun [C]
/ˌdiː.piːˈpiː/
abbreviation for digital product passport: an online record of important information about a product, such as what it is made of and what its impact on the environment is

Industrial and electric vehicle batteries will be the first products to have mandatory DPPs, from 2027. Other product categories, including textiles, are expected to follow by 2030 … Manufacturers will often have multiple suppliers for the same raw materials and components, so items that look alike could have different carbon footprints. The data in the DPP will reflect those differences.
[bbc.co.uk, 1 March 2024]

About new words

eggflation noun [U]
/egˈfleɪ.ʃᵊn/
a significant increase in the price of eggs, normally because of higher production costs or shortages

So-called ‘eggflation’ – a phenomenon that’s seen the price of eggs rise by as much as 15% – is skyrocketing, with prices for the breakfast and baking essential scrambling to record highs. Factors range from bird flu outbreaks to rising production costs, but while some nations are grappling with a full-blown egg affordability crisis, others are getting off relatively lightly.
[lovemoney.com, 20 March 2025]

bi-globalization noun [U]
UK /ˌbaɪ.gləʊ.bᵊl.aɪˈzeɪ.ʃᵊn/ US /ˌbaɪ.gloʊ.bᵊl.əˈzeɪ.ʃᵊn/
a situation where the world economy is divided into two major centres of power rather than operating as a single global market

What’s ‘bi-globalization’ and could this be the near future for geo-economics and global trade? Geo-economic bi-globalization is underpinned by the logic of geopolitical competition and reflects structural changes in international power. The challenge now is to help manage coexistence in a situation of geo-economic competition.
[weforum.org, 19 December 2024]

negative wealth noun [U]
UK /ˌneg.ə.tɪv ˈwelθ/ US /ˌneg.ə.t̬ɪv ˈwelθ/
the situation where someone owes more money than the value of everything they own

Gen Z and young millennials are battling a “negative wealth” problem due to growing debt burdens that limit their life chances, according to a new analysis from the Fairness Foundation. The thinktank says negative wealth, where debts outweigh assets, is linked to lower wages and worse health in later life.
[theguardian.com, 5 April 2025]

About new words

burnt toast theory noun [S]
UK /ˌbɜːnt ˈtəʊst ˌθɪə.ri/ US /ˌbɝːnt ˈtoʊst ˌθɪr.i/
the idea that a minor inconvenience, like burning your toast in the morning, might actually be preventing something worse happening later in the day

Small snags or setbacks — like spilling your coffee or waiting in a long line at the gas station — can derail your day. But the burnt toast theory is a belief that those minor inconveniences can lead to a positive outcome at a later time — for example, maybe you miss rush-hour traffic or maybe you arrive at work just in time to walk into the office with a friend.
[https://health.clevelandclinic.org/, 9 April 2025]

orange peel theory noun [S]
UK /ˈɒr.ɪndʒ piːl ˌθɪə.ri/ US /ˈɔːr.ɪndʒ piːl ˌθɪr.i/
the idea that someone’s love for their partner is demonstrated through small acts of kindness, like peeling an orange for them, rather than big romantic gestures

At the end of the day, we all deserve people who show up for us and meet our needs of love, no matter how small or trivial those needs may be. I think that’s the core of the orange peel theory. Sometimes, the simplest acts are the clearest expressions of affection. If you’re lucky enough to have someone who peels your orange without hesitation, maybe it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate that as a sign of great love.
[dailycal.org, 21 November 2024]

invisible string theory noun [S]
UK /ɪnˌvɪz.ə.bᵊl ˈstrɪŋ ˌθɪə.ri/ US /ɪnˌvɪz.ə.bᵊl ˈstrɪŋ ˌθɪr.i/
the idea that two people who are destined to be together are connected by an invisible string that will eventually enable them to find each other

The invisible string theory follows the idea that you are connected to your soulmate via a metaphorical string. While this belief can provide hope and comfort, it can also lead to people staying in an unhealthy relationship due to a perceived destined connection.
[healthline.com, 20 May 2025]

About new words