zeitgeist_neologisms_no_headers Flashcards
cosplayer
A person who dresses up as a character from pop culture, often at conventions or on social media.
cancel culture
A social phenomenon where individuals or groups are ostracized for behavior or statements deemed unacceptable.
influencer
Someone who gains popularity online and affects purchasing decisions or opinions through social media.
doomscrolling
Excessively scrolling through bad news on a screen, often leading to anxiety or depression.
woke
Originally meaning socially aware, now often used pejoratively to describe performative progressivism.
metaverse
A collective virtual space where users interact with each other and digital environments in real time.
quiet quitting
Doing only the minimum required at work, rejecting hustle culture or unpaid labor.
ghosting
Suddenly cutting off communication without explanation, often in dating or online contexts.
clapback
A sharp or witty retort, often posted on social media in response to criticism.
stan
An extremely enthusiastic fan of a celebrity, often used as both a noun and verb.
finsta
A private Instagram account used for sharing more candid content, often with a small circle.
fitspo
Fitness inspiration content shared on social media, sometimes criticized for promoting unrealistic ideals.
genderfluid
A gender identity that shifts over time or depending on the situation.
latinx
A gender-neutral term used in place of Latino/Latina, though controversial in some communities.
NFT
Non-fungible token; a unique digital item verified using blockchain technology.
blockchain
A decentralized digital ledger used for recording transactions across many computers.
cryptobro
A stereotype for young men obsessed with cryptocurrency, often viewed as arrogant or naive.
flexitarian
Someone whose diet is mostly plant-based but occasionally includes meat or fish.
clicktivism
Online activism that involves minimal effort, like sharing posts or signing petitions.
deepfake
A synthetic media where someone’s likeness is convincingly faked using AI.
algospeak
Coded language used to avoid content moderation algorithms on social media.
binge-watch
To watch multiple episodes of a TV show in one sitting.
grind culture
The glorification of overwork and productivity at the expense of well-being.
gig economy
A labor market based on short-term freelance or contract jobs rather than permanent ones.
late capitalism
A term used to critique the perceived absurdities and inequalities of current capitalism.
climate anxiety
Emotional distress related to concern over climate change and ecological collapse.
doomposting
Pessimistic or apocalyptic content shared online, often to vent or provoke.
simp
A person (usually male) seen as overly submissive or attentive to someone they’re attracted to.
main character energy
The feeling or attitude of being the central focus of life or a narrative.
femtech
Technology designed to support women’s health, such as period or fertility tracking apps.
microdosing
Taking very small amounts of psychedelics to enhance mental well-being or creativity.
sharenting
Parents sharing excessive amounts of content about their children online.
nepo baby
A celebrity child perceived to have benefited unfairly from familial connections.
digital nomad
A person who works remotely while traveling and living in various locations.
virtue signaling
Expressing moral views primarily to gain approval rather than out of genuine concern.
sponcon
Sponsored content, especially posts by influencers paid to promote products.
rage farming
Provoking outrage online to boost engagement and visibility.
girlboss
A term once used to empower women in business, now often satirized as shallow empowerment.
goblin mode
A state of embracing laziness, messiness, and lack of self-awareness in defiance of social norms.
touch grass
A phrase telling someone to disconnect from the internet and reconnect with the real world.
deinfluencing
A trend where people warn against unnecessary purchases, countering consumer hype.
filter bubble
A digital environment shaped by algorithms where one only encounters views they agree with.
parasocial relationship
A one-sided emotional connection a fan forms with a media figure.
blackfishing
The act of non-Black people altering appearance to look Black or racially ambiguous.
slacktivism
Low-effort actions taken online in support of a cause, offering little real-world impact.
reality shifting
A belief or practice where individuals mentally shift to alternate realities or fictional worlds.
content creator
Someone who produces and shares digital media, often independently.
delulu
Slang for being ‘delusional’ about a celebrity or fantasy relationship.
body neutrality
A movement encouraging people to focus less on appearance and more on body function.
mental load
The invisible labor involved in managing a household or relationships, often borne by women.
cancelled
A term used when someone is publicly shunned for perceived wrongdoing.
