Authentic Claims the Spotlight as 2023's Word of the Year

The concept of authenticity, frequently invoked in discussions about personal identity and advances in technology such as artificial intelligence, has merited 'authentic' the title of Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2023. The announcement was made this Monday, highlighting the word's significant presence across various domains.

From celebrity declarations to social media trends, 'authentic' outstripped other trendy terms like 'rizz', 'deepfake', and 'coronation', emerging as the top-searched word. Merriam-Webster defines 'authentic' in multiple ways, including as 'not false or imitation' or 'true to one's own personality, spirit, or character', emphasizing its association with genuineness and sincerity.

The burgeoning quest for authenticity was exemplified by celebrities, who were often at the center of attention for their pursuit of an 'authentic self' or 'authentic voice'. Superstar Taylor Swift, among others, prominently featured in this movement, actively discussing the journey towards her true self.

Merriam-Webster remarked that the term's difficulty to pin down and the debates it stimulates are exactly why so many people look it up. In the spheres of fame, technology, and personal identity, 'authentic' has gained a significant foothold, making it a noteworthy contender for its 2023 accolade.

Even influential tech figures like Elon Musk have contributed to the discourse on authenticity, encouraging truthful expressions on social media. Applications such as BeReal have echoed this sentiment, prioritizing the sharing of unfiltered experiences.

Besides 'authentic', the year saw other notable terms gain traction, with 'rizz', 'deepfake', 'coronation', and 'dystopian' among the popular searches. Each word resonated through different events and topics, from the technology space to the celebrity world, all contributing to the kaleidoscope of 2023's linguistic trends.

Despite stiff competition from these buzzwords, it was ultimately 'authentic' that resonated the most with people's inquiries and interests throughout the year, rendering it a deserving winner of the word of the year title.

authentic, identity, technology