fraudbot noun [C]
UK /ˈfrɔːd.bɒt/ US /ˈfrɑːd.bɑːt/
a type of computer program that uses AI to pretend to be an online customer in order to carry out fraudulent activities

Introducing the fraudbot – a chatbot that impersonates customers and tries to open fake accounts, reopen closed accounts, or access real customer data. Not only do fraudbots pose a security risk to your customer information, but they waste valuable agent time.
[tethr.com, 7 November 2022]

See also bot

viewbot noun [C]
UK /ˈvjuː.bɒt/ US /ˈvjuː.bɑːt/
a type of computer program that uses AI to make a piece of online content, such as a social media post, appear to have been viewed more times than it actually has

Employing a viewbot allows your channel and content to gain more visibility by artificially inflating your view count. This can attract real viewers who may not have otherwise discovered your stream. Over time, the real viewers gained from increased exposure may replace the viewbot viewers.
[medium.com, 17 January 2024]

aidbot noun [C]
UK /ˈeɪd.bɒt/ US /ˈeɪd.bɑːt/
a type of computer program that uses AI to deliver aid such as food, clothes or medicine as quickly and efficiently as possible to the people who need it

Hania created the “aidbot” to narrow the gap between the demand and supply of aid. The aidbot is a chatbot – a type of AI system designed to communicate with its users online – that links to WhatsApp. It is programmed to ask simple questions about the types of aid people require along with their names and locations.
[bbc.co.uk/news, 11 January 2025]

About new words

gate lice noun [plural]
/ˈgeɪt ˌlaɪs/
an informal way of referring to people who crowd around the boarding gate at an airport and try to board the plane before their assigned row or section has been called

American Airlines has announced it is expanding its new technology to end a process known as “gate lice,” which is when passengers cut lines in hopes of boarding a flight early. The system audibly flags when a passenger attempts to board the plane before their designated assignment is called and will automatically reject the ticket.
[nypost.com, 21 November 2024]

check-in chicken noun [U]
/ˌtʃek.ɪn ˈtʃɪk.ɪn/
a strategy where an air passenger delays checking in for a flight until the last minute with the aim of being assigned a better seat

There’s a new type of passenger causing chaos in the airport – those playing “check-in chicken”. The latest category of flyer applies to travellers who wait to book a seat until check-ins are almost closed in the hope of scoring the best available seats.
[independent.co.uk, 10 December 2024]

Wilma noun [U]
/ˈwɪl.mə/
abbreviation for window, middle, aisle: a process for boarding a plane where all the passengers in window seats board first, followed by those in middle seats and finally those in aisle seats

A year ago United Airlines introduced the “Wilma” system — where all window-seat passengers board first, then middle seats, then aisle, a sort of “outside in” technique, which the airline claims saves around two minutes per flight — rather than getting the passengers at the back in first, as is more common.
[thetimes.com 8 December 2024]

About new words

DYOR abbreviation
UK /ˌdiː.waɪ.əʊˈɑːʳ/ US /ˌdiː.waɪ.oʊˈɑːr/
abbreviation of “do your own research”: a basic principle of the cryptocurrency market, encouraging buyers to research and understand all the risks and benefits of a cryptocurrency deal before they invest in it

As we enter the bull market, keep in mind that “DYOR” isn’t just some disclaimer-like catchphrase – it’s an essential practice that separates savvy crypto users from gamblers. Done correctly, DYOR should help inform crucial crypto decisions, mitigate risks, and maximize opportunities.
[coinmarketcap.com, 18 December 2023]

crypto agility noun [U]
UK /ˌkrɪp.təʊ əˈdʒɪl.ə.ti/ US /ˌkrɪp.toʊ əˈdʒɪl.ə.t̬i/
the ability of an organization to quickly adapt and change the methods it uses to encrypt its data to protect it from cyberattacks

Once a niche concern for IT professionals, crypto agility has evolved into a critical issue that impacts all organizations and employees, from executives to interns … As cyber threats evolve, particularly with quantum computing, crypto agility helps keep your systems secure.
[fastcompany.com, 6 November 2024]

meme coin noun [C]
/ˈmiːm kɔɪn/
a type of cryptocurrency based on an internet meme or other online trend and usually created to be amusing rather than for its value as an investment

Welcome to the $100 billion market for meme coins, crypto’s wildest — and dumbest — moneymaking craze. Nearly 13 million coins have already been created in 2024. The best-known meme coin, Dogecoin — inspired by a Shiba Inu dog — is the sixth-most-valuable cryptocurrency in the world. But it’s not for the faint of heart: Meme coins have no intrinsic value, an incredibly short shelf life, and are even more volatile than bitcoin.
[forbes.com, 13 November 2024]

About new words

root-to-tip adjective
/ˌruːt.təˈtɪp/
using all the different parts of a vegetable in cooking, so that none of it is wasted

This project will see the launch of a “Living Laboratory” at King’s, where the project team will develop and test “root-to-tip” recipes that use more of the plant (i.e. peels and stalks) … The study [will research] the positive impact of root-to-tip dining on dietary intake and nutrition, as well as the impact on reducing food waste, through development of unique recipes.
[kcl.ac.uk, 15 August 2024]

See also nose to tail

fin-to-gill adjective
/ˌfɪn.təˈgɪl/
using as many parts of a fish as possible in cooking, so that none of it is wasted

A new “fin-to-gill” seafood restaurant inspired by the Greek islands will open in Marylebone in June. No part of the fish will be left unused, with bones and spines turned into broths and lesser-used parts – the head and throat, for example – grilled simply, as they are in traditional Greek kitchens.
[standard.co.uk, 27 April 2023]

estate-to-plate adjective
/ɪˌsteɪt.təˈpleɪt/
describes an approach where a chef cooks food that is grown or produced within the estate where the restaurant is located

It’s the Yorkshire landscape that inspires me most; at Forge we follow an estate-to-plate ethos using the produce growing in the gardens and across the 200 acres of parkland.
[livingnorth.com, August 2024]

About new words

January brain noun [U]
UK /ˈdʒæn.ju.ə.ri ˌbreɪn/ US /ˈdʒæn.ju.er.i ˌbreɪn/
a feeling of tiredness and a lack of energy and motivation that some people experience when they go back to work in the new year after the Christmas holidays

When we get back to work after that strange, glorious post-Christmas hinterland period, many of us struggle to adjust. Our brains might feel foggy, our motivation lacking and we’re likely to seriously struggle to match our usual productivity. Let’s call that befuddled sensation “January brain”: a general sense of mental sluggishness, as if we’re operating on a slight time delay or in slow motion.
[independent.co.uk, 13 January 2024]

winter arc noun [C]
UK /ˌwɪn.tər ˈɑːk/ US /ˌwɪn.t̬ɚˈɑːrk/
a trend that involves spending the whole winter season making lifestyle changes relating to your physical and mental health and wellbeing, such as breaking bad habits and exercising more

Some people commit to the winter arc as a dedicated, disciplined wellbeing programme from 1 October to 1 January, while others approach it as an opportunity to reflect and establish new habits at a slower, more considered pace than the conventional new year’s resolution. Following a winter arc also means that habits are already established by the time that January arrives, so in theory you’ll need to flex your willpower far less during a month that’s often arduous enough as it is.
[harpersbazaar.com, 24 November 2024]

Quitter’s Day noun [S]
UK /ˈkwɪt.əz deɪ/ US /ˈkwɪt̬.ɚz deɪ/
the second Friday of January, the day when most people abandon their New Year’s resolutions and go back to their old habits

How are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? Fallen off the wagon…? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. In fact, the second Friday in January is known as Quitter’s Day. Apparently on average, only 8% of us stick with our goals for an entire month. 23% of us quit by the end of the first week. And according to a 2024 survey by Forbes Health, 62% of us never even wanted to make a new year’s resolution in the first place.
[performancelab.com, 24 November 2024]

About new words

founder mode noun [U]
UK /ˈfaʊn.də məʊd/ US /ˈfaʊn.dɚ moʊd/
a management style where the founder of a company is involved in all aspects of the business, rather than delegating responsibilities to managers

Last month, the co-founder of startup incubator Y Combinator, Paul Graham, posted an essay in which he coined the term “founder mode” and discussed its benefits for businesses. Since the essay’s release, the phrase has been making waves across the internet, sparking a heated debate about how much founders should involve themselves in the running of an enterprise.
[startups.co.uk, 17 October 2024]

MAANG noun [S]
/mæŋ/
abbreviation for Meta, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, and Google: a way of referring to these companies as a single entity

Working at MAANG companies requires a strong foundation in technical skills. Whether you’re applying for a software development role or an engineering position, having deep knowledge and experience in your field is crucial. Stay updated with the latest technologies and trends, as these companies often seek individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.
[pesto.tech, 9 February 2024]

broligarch noun [C]
UK /ˈbrəʊ.l.ɪ.gɑː.k/ US /ˈbrəʊ.lɪ.gɑːrk/
a very rich man who works in the digital technology industry and is politically influential

But now a number of prominent male tech plutocrats who previously opposed the former president have done an about-face: These broligarchs are publicly endorsing and donating to the Republican candidate—and revealing a lot about their own priorities.
[theatlantic.com, 4 August 2024]

See also oligarch, tech bro

About new words

pleasanteeism noun [U]
/ple.zənˈtiː.ɪzm/
the feeling that you always need to appear cheerful and friendly when at work, even if you are stressed or anxious, so that people, especially those senior to you, have a good opinion of you

Pleasanteeism happens when employees feel the need to project a positive image or “put on a happy face,” regardless of what they’re actually feeling. Picture a colleague who is under immense pressure but feels compelled to stay upbeat, worried that anything less might be perceived as lacking commitment or positivity. They might be quietly struggling with stress or burnout but push those feelings down, hoping no one notices. While pleasanteeism may sound harmless – after all, who doesn’t appreciate a positive attitude? – it can be deeply damaging over time.
[mohs.co.uk, 8 November 2024]

See also presenteeism

unbossing noun [U]
UK /ʌn.ˈbɒsɪŋ/ US /ʌn.ˈbɑːsɪŋ/
the act of having fewer managers in a company, especially those who work in middle management roles

A new workplace trend is becoming all the rage, and it isn’t just more summer Fridays or all-inclusive work resorts. Thinning out middle management layers, also known as “unbossing,” is the latest restructuring option of choice for major U.S. companies, including Bayer, Salesforce, Citigroup and Meta. That’s because, although middle management can improve a company’s organization, cutting down on unnecessary management layers has several benefits.
[forbes.com, 6 August 2024]

HiPPO noun [C]
UK /ˈhɪp.əʊ/ US /ˈhɪp.oʊ/
abbreviation for “highest paid person’s opinion”: a situation in the workplace where the opinion of the person who has the highest salary is taken more seriously than everyone else’s, even if this is not justified

The term HiPPO refers to a situation where the opinion of the most senior or highest-paid person in the room carries the most weight, regardless of whether it is the most informed or well-supported viewpoint. Grant has emphasized that relying on the HiPPO can lead to poor decision-making because it often discourages input from others who may have valuable insights or data.
[leadershiphq.com.au, 8 August 2024]

About new words

greenager noun [C]
UK /ˈgriːnˌeɪ.dʒəʳ/ US /ˈgriːnˌeɪ.dʒɚ/
a teenager who is interested in green issues and takes part in activities that aim to help the environment

A new survey has revealed it’s no longer the parents calling the shots when it comes to saving energy – it’s their eco-conscious kids. Dubbed “greenagers”, this new generation is driving energy-saving attitudes at home. According to research by Smart Energy GB, 41 per cent of parents admit their teenagers encourage them to be more energy efficient in the home.
[metro.co.uk, 26 September 2024]

real zero noun [S]
UK /ˌrɪəl ˈzɪə.rəʊ/ US /ˌriː.əl ˈzɪr.oʊ/
the point at which a country, industry, company, etc. has completely stopped producing greenhouse gas emissions

Chairman Andrew Forrest has made it clear that Fortescue’s ultimate goal is to achieve “real zero” by eliminating all Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions from its iron ore mining operations by 2030. This is distinct from “net zero,” where companies can rely on carbon offsets to balance out hard-to-abate or unavoidable emissions.
[carboncredits.com, 11 October 2024]

cloud milking noun [U]
/ˈklaʊd ˌmɪlk.ɪŋ/
a way of extracting the water from mist and fog to use it in areas where more water is needed for drinking, growing crops etc.

They call it cloud milking, a zero-energy technique to extract water from fog that is revolutionising the recovery of forests devastated by fire and drought. The idea began as a pilot project in the Canary Islands. The plan was to exploit the moisture-laden “sea of clouds” that hangs over the region in order to aid reforestation, and has since been extended to several other countries to produce drinking water, and to irrigate crops.
[theguardian.com, 31 October 2024]

About new words

agesplaining noun [U]
/ˈeɪdʒ.spleɪn.ɪŋ/
the act of explaining something to someone in a way that suggests that they are stupid; used when a young person explains something to an older person that they already understand

You may have heard of mansplaining, when a man explains something to a woman in a way that’s regarded as condescending or patronising. But how about “agesplaining”? Forty-four per cent of the men and women who said they had experienced agesplaining said it left them “feeling older than they are”. Seventeen per cent said it rocked their confidence, while the same percentage said it had “contributed to a loss of self-identity”.
[The Times, 28 September 2024]

See also mansplaining

ageotype noun [C]
UK /ˈeɪdʒ.əʊ.taɪp/ US /ˈeɪdʒ.oʊ.taɪp/
a category of changes that occur in a particular person’s body as they age, which is distinct from the way people in other categories age

Now, studies have revealed that we tend to age down one of four different pathways. This is your “ageotype” – the principal way in which you, personally, are ageing. The bad news is that the oldest part of your body may be dragging the rest of it down. The good news is that by working out your ageotype, you might be able to target it to live healthier for longer.
[newscientist.com, 9 August 2023]

agetech noun [U]
/ˈeɪdʒ.tek/
the business of using technology to offer services that help old people

The market for agetech could grow to $2 trillion, according to an estimate by 4Gen Ventures, a VC agetech fund. Technologies for older generations include smart appliances, in-home connected devices, wearable robotics and digital care companions. The few corporates that have invested in agetech include Japanese electronics maker Edion, which launched a $63m CVC fund in June this year to invest in age-related technologies that address the shifting demographics of its consumer base.
[globalventuring.com, 23 October 2024]

About new words