The Committee’s choice of Word of the Year 2010 is:
googleganger |
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noun a person with the same name as oneself, whose online references are mixed with one’s own among search results for one’s name. [google + (doppel)ganger ] |
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The Committee would like to give honourable mention to:
vuvuzela |
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noun a plastic horn (def. 13), up to one metre in length, which emits a loud buzzing sound; commonly played in South Africa by fans at soccer games. [? Zulu vuvu to make a noise] |
The Macquarie Dictionary Word of the Year Committee comprises:
Dr Michael Spence, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney
Professor Stephen Garton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Sydney
Evan Hannah, Group Editorial General Manager, News Ltd.
Les Murray, renowned Australian poet
Susan Butler, Publisher of the Macquarie Dictionary
The People’s Choice Award for 2010 goes to:
shockumentary |
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noun (plural shockumentaries) 1. a documentary film or television show featuring footage of accidents or violence. 2. a documentary film or television show which gives damaging information about government bodies, industries, etc., often presented in such a way as to magnify the inherent shock value of the facts. [shock1 + (doc)umentary]
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Category winners:
| Agriculture | aquaponics |
| Arts, Literature, Theatre | shockumentary |
| Business | presenteeism |
| Colloquial | gym bunny |
| Communications | fauxmance |
| Computing | email fatigue / googleganger |
| Crops | superfood |
| Eating and Drinking | screwage |
| Environment | flying cane toad |
| Fashion | vajazzle |
| General Interest | vuvuzela |
| Health | binge listening |
| Internet | camel case |
| Politics | sandbagging |
| Psychology | neurosexism |
| Social Interest | self-gift |
| Sport | rail trail |
| Technology | pocket-dial |
Download the pdf below to view all the entries considered for Word of the Year 2010.
