The Oxford Dictionaries have announced their world of the year for 2012 and it is … omnishambles.
Coined by the writers of the brilliantly funny TV programme The Thick Of It on the BBC, an omnishambles is a situation that has been mismanaged, and characterized by a string of blunders and miscalculations.
It’s always a tough decision for the people at the Oxford English Dictionary as once a word has been added it is never removed. Other interesting words that were on the short list for the award are;
Eurogeddon - the potential financial collapse of those European countries that have adopted the Euro.
green-on-blue - denoting an attack made on one’s side by forces that are seen as being neutral.
Games Makers - those volunteers who ensured that the London Olympic games progressed smoothly and all those attending were able to do so with ease.
Mobot – the ‘M’ sign made using two hands and arms above the head made famous by the GB runner Moh Farah. See picture to the right – by The Rambling Man and Kim Ratcliffe of Think Equestrian
second screening - the activity of watching television whilst simultaneously using a smartphone, laptop, etc., often so as to be able to use a social media site to post about what was happening.
English is a fascinating language as it is continually changing and new words are being created all of the time. There is always something new for everyone to learn – students and teachers. I hope you have had a fantastic 2012 and that you have had a chance to add many new words to your own English vocabulary. All the best for 2013. Ian.
About Ian JamiesonI've been teaching English conversation skills since 1996 and I love to speak with people from all around the world.