The French language continually evolves, reflecting modern cultural influences. As 2024 approaches, Babbel highlights its top 10 words of the year, showcasing terms like “brat,” “Tanaland,” and “banger,” which illustrate the blend of pop culture and linguistic innovation. Other notable entries include “Kakou Kakou,” “PNJ,” and “Delulu,” each representing contemporary societal trends and emotional experiences. These terms highlight the dynamic nature of language as it adapts to the fast-paced world we live in.
The French language is an ever-changing tapestry, continuously adapting to the influences of modern culture. Each year, the Académie française enriches its dictionary with new terms, reflecting the evolving vernacular. While younger generations might misuse some of these words, much to the dismay of linguists, adapting to linguistic innovation is essential in our rapidly changing world.
As we approach 2024, social media platforms are buzzing with various top lists, including the most streamed songs and the most popular films and series. Babbel, a renowned language learning platform, has recently unveiled its top 10 words that defined the year. This list underscores the significant impact of pop culture on language, highlighting the infusion of numerous English and internet-based terms into everyday conversation. Among the linguistic trends shaping our contemporary discourse, one word that stands out originated from the electro music scene.
Babbel’s Top New Expressions
Among the words recognized by Babbel as influential in 2024, one noteworthy entry is “brat,” describing a fashionable and edgy party-goer who straddles the line between “trash” and sophisticated. This term was popularized by singer Charlie XCX in her album titled Brat. Another compelling term is Tanaland, which envisions a world free from men, offering safety and empowerment to women. Influencers from the feminist movement have transformed the derogatory term “tana” into a badge of honor, promoting sisterhood and strength.
The term “banger” refers to something extraordinary that evokes strong emotions, though it initially emerged from the electronic music scene, describing tracks that inspire dancing with heavy bass. Its meaning has significantly shifted among younger audiences today.
New Words in 2024: Banger, PNJ, Delulu, and More
Babbel’s top 10 also includes the quirky phrase “Kakou Kakou,” which originates from the TikTok account floflofrdl, known for its tastings and product reviews. This playful term translates to “hello” and carries a humorous undertone. The abbreviation PNJ comes from the gaming world, referring to “non-playable character,” typically a secondary figure that follows a fixed script. In modern slang, it denotes someone deemed unhelpful or superfluous in real life. Meanwhile, “Delulu” is a shorthand for “delusional,” describing someone whose thoughts are disconnected from reality.
Another interesting term is the social battery, which gauges an individual’s mental and emotional energy levels during social interactions, an experience that can be draining for some. The phrase “Mob wife” alludes to the spouses of mafia members, characterized by the extravagant lifestyles depicted by content creator Kayla Trivieri, contrasting sharply with the “trad wife” movement that promotes traditional domestic roles. The term “demure” implies being “discreet” or “modest”, now interpreted as a critique of unrealistic societal expectations for women. Lastly, “yapper” has evolved from simply describing a chatterbox to someone capable of discussing any subject with ease.