The English language is extraordinary, comprising more than a million separate words of which we tend to use only a tiny percentage. It is hardly surprising that such a vast reservoir is always sending a few old words into retirement and introducing new ones. Not all new words are kind or constructive; some are quite derogatory. Others, such as deep-dive, pain point, value-add and push-back suffer from overuse.
Yet there are many new words that can enrich our spiritual lives. Christians believe that Jesus is the word of God and that the Word is always fresh and alive. Here are nine newish words that you may find energising.
JOMO. The Joy of Missing Out is an answer to FOMO, the Fear of Missing Out. FOMO is so widespread that humans have even been referred to as Fomosapiens. JOMO is a reminder that we can’t have everything and that it is better to find contentment and joy in what we have rather than hunger after what we don’t. We don’t want to be defined by absences. The happiest people often take pleasure in simple gifts.
Nervosity. This word comes from combining nervousness with verbosity. It helps us find compassion and understanding for those people who talk too much. Sometimes the best way to slow them down is to help them relax.
Youthquake is a new word for something refreshing. It refers to the inspiring and dramatic changes in the world that happen when young people are able to take positions of leadership and follow the authentic path the Spirit leads them on.
Greynaissance is the counterpart of youthquake. It celebrates the discoveries and creativity of older people, especially those embarking on new journeys in life.
Phubbed is a great word for calling out rudeness. It combines phone and snubbed and refers to the situation when you are talking to someone and they start looking at their phone. Sometimes it is best to text that person even in the middle of your own conversation, just to get their attention.
Youie is the opposite of selfie. It really means an ordinary photo. The expression reminds us to focus less on ourselves and more on others. Our focus should be first on God’s glorious world and then on our unique place within it. The eyes of faith take youies more than selfies.
Netroot is another combination, this time of ‘net’ and ‘grassroots.’ The internet, like most things, can be used for good and bad. Conspiracy theories and habits of mindless anger don’t help anyone. Netroot, on the other hand, refers to creating grassroots community online through sharing passions and concerns. Many sensible people share their faith in God at the netroot level.
Spuddle originally referred to a patch of sticky mud. These days, it describes a person who makes a lot of fuss and bother but never seems to get much done. They are ‘in a spuddle’. We’ve all had days like this. They are good days for prayer, for asking for the grace of God to get us out of our spuddle, to help us find our way.
Godspace. This could mean either God space or God’s pace. To either be where God wants or move at the speed God allows. It’s the best word on the list.
Michael McGirr is the Mission facilitator at Caritas Australia. He is the author of many books, including Ideas to Save Your Life and Books that Saved My Life (both Text), and Finding God’s Traces (Jesuit Communications).