English Collins Dictionary's Word of the Year, 'AI'... "Evokes Amazement and Fear"

Generative AI Gains Attention Triggered by ChatGPT
De-influencing, Nepobaby Also in Spotlight

The Collins Dictionary in the UK has selected "Artificial Intelligence (AI)" as the Word of the Year. This decision is understood to reflect the global surge of interest in generative AI, including ChatGPT, and the accelerated pace of technological development.

On the 1st (local time), according to CNN and other outlets, Collins Dictionary announced in a statement that it chose AI, defined as "modeling human mental functions through computer programs," as the Word of the Year. Collins explained, "From the perspective of next-generation technological innovation, AI was rapidly developed and frequently mentioned this year."

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Collins evaluated, "The groundbreaking AI-based language models suddenly entered public consciousness at the end of last year, astonishing us with their ability to mimic natural human language." They added, "In fact, it can do much more," noting that AI can immediately provide a presentation script needed the next day or a recipe for dinner using leftover ingredients in the cupboard.

Collins stated, "People were naturally fascinated by this AI, but at the same time began to feel uneasy," and asked, "If computers suddenly become experts in the most human domain?language?what comes next?" They continued, "Looking at the explosive debates, thorough investigations, and predictions about AI, we can confirm sufficient grounds for Collins to select AI as the Word of the Year," explaining the background of the selection.

Other candidates competing for the Word of the Year included "de-influencing" and "nepo baby." De-influencing refers to content where social media influencers criticize certain products or lifestyles, advising people to avoid them. This is seen as a counter-movement targeting a niche market, emerging as trust in influencer product reviews has significantly declined due to intensified collaboration marketing between influencers and companies.

Nepo baby gained popularity as a term mocking children of famous parents who easily land roles in movies or dramas in Hollywood. The term "Nepo" originates from "nepotism," a word referring to the medieval European church practice where clergy disguised their illegitimate children as nephews to appoint them as successors.

Other nominees included "semaglutide," a drug that suppresses appetite to aid weight loss, and "greedflation," a term used in the UK to describe excessive price hikes by some businesses aiming to maximize profits amid high inflation.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.