Every new era has its own unique slang – the new words and phrases that were invented to describe something that has never been experienced before. So, what are the best new words invented in the COVID-19 era? Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has a glossary of definitions for all of the new words, slang and phrases invented during the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic era that are now fully integrated into our everyday vocabularies. When the 2020 time capsule is opened, they’ll need this definition of terms to interpret most of what they find.
a glossary of coronavirus words and phrases
Stress levels have been going through the roof since coronavirus came to our shores. And, we’ve coped in unexpected ways with comfort baking, puzzles, coloring books and regular movie nights. One creative and humorous mechanism that we have all participated in, but that is easy to overlook, is inventing new language.
A glossary of the new words and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era.
Coronavirus has changed the way we live and the way we talk. There are a slew of new words that have seamlessly entered our vocabulary, providing a mutual acknowledgment of the absurdity of our times.
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The experience of living through this pandemic is unique to each individual and family. But one thing that unites us all is the need to laugh. So here goes.
A glossary of the new words and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era.
The Best New Words Invented in the COVID-19 Era
We’ve rounded up 21 of the best new words, phrases and slang invented during the COVID-19 coronavirus era. We hope they’ll bring a smile your face. But as cute as they are, we wouldn’t be devastated if we never have to use them again!
Here they are, in alphabetical order:
1. BCV
Acronym for “Before Coronavirus.” It refers to an idyllic way of life when people would think nothing of jamming themselves into a packed subway car at rush hour. Or, break plans with friends last minute without remorse thinking, “I’ll just see them next weekend.” See also: The Before Times.
2. Bubble
A group of chosen ones – trusted friends and relations that you have successfully vetted to have the same social distancing standards as you, and with whom you will meet occasionally to talk about how much Coronavirus sucks. You may decide it’s ok to hug these people for 3 seconds and not a second more if you’re wearing a mask AND holding your breath.
3. BYOC
Acronym for “Bring Your Own Cake.” It refers to a creative solution for synchronous celebrating wherein participants on a video conference bring their own cake to the screen and eat said cake at the same time. BYOC often results in having serious FOMO because Katie always has more delicious looking cake.
A glossary of the new words and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era: BYOC.
4. Coronial
The new generation of babies born during or soon after the coronavirus pandemic outbreak. Like Baby Boomers, except they were conceived while the war was still being fought.
5. COVID-15
The 15 pounds gained during the period of working and staying at home, baking focaccia gardens, sourdough bread and binge-watching movies and TV shows. See also: COVID-20.
6. Covidiot
A derogatory insult to describe someone who flouts health and safety guidelines because they think they know better than scientists and actual medical professionals. They are so confident in their mental prowess and immortality that they might even drink or gargle household cleaning agents.
A glossary of the new words, slang and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era.
7. Cuomosexual
A relatively new sexual orientation that refers to an inexplicable and powerful urge to have relations with the Governor of New York. The desire typically peaks in the afternoon, after his calm and rational daily press conferences.
8. Doomscrolling
The distressing but irresistible act of scrolling on your phone to read grim news headlines one after the other in rapid succession. It typically results in the need to have a drink, order an emergency dessert delivery at midnight, or a fitful night of sleep.
9. Drive-by
What was once a notoriously violent “hit and run” tactic involving physical attacks has been given a decidedly more placid and pleasant makeover in which friends and family drive in their vehicles and wave like a maniac at the birthday girl/boy from their windows.
A glossary of the new words, slang and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era.
10. Maskne
The unfortunate skin blemishes that occur on the lower half of the face as a result of wearing a mask. As unsightly as it may be, it is still considered better than being infected with Coronavirus.
11. Mask-shaming
Dirty looks, nasty thoughts, and blatant call-outs directed at people who do not wear masks while in close quarters with others. It typically results in a non-committal shrug on the part of the offender.
12. Mask Tan
Like a “farmer’s tan,” except caused by a mask. The tan line that gets formed when you’re out in the sun for an extended period wearing a face mask. Not a good look on anyone. But not a legitimate reason to not wear a face mask.
A glossary of the new words, slang and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era: Mask Tan.
13. Panic buying
The act of hoarding products in anticipation of an apocalyptic situation. During the pandemic, it became clear that Americans highly value their nascent identity as bread bakers as flour and yeast became impossible to find. However, no one wanted vegan cheese.
14. Pod
Similar to a bubble and just as anxiety inducing when considering who to include, or wondering why no one is approaching and inviting you to join theirs.
15. Quaranteam
Similar to a bubble and a pod and leaves you with a vague unease wondering when you will all get sick of one another.
A glossary of definitions of the new words and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era.
16. Quarantini
An amateur cocktail that was at first consumed during typical happy hours in the home in the absence of open bars and taverns. It is typically made with a base spirit like vodka or gin and a splash of citrus for immunity benefits.
17. Smizing
The act of smiling with one’s eyes, first popularized by supermodel, Tyra Banks. It is especially important now in the era of mask-wearing and requires some diligent practice to achieve a look that does not read creepy and deranged.
18. Walktail
What was once considered against the law is now the hot new social event. Especially popular amongst suburban moms, it is the act of going for a walk while drinking alcohol from an open container.
A glossary of definitions of the new words and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era: Walktail.
19. Zoom-Bombing
The malicious act of hacking into a private Zoom meeting with the intent of disrupting the conversation or eavesdropping.
20. Zoomers
A play on the word Boomers, the slang for members of the Baby Boomer generation, this group was born in the late 90s and early 2000s and are more adept at using Zoom video conferencing than their parents.
21. Zumping
The act of dumping a potential love interest over Zoom or any other video conferencing platform. It is up for debate if zumping is better than ghosting.
A glossary of definitions of the new words and phrases invented during the coronavirus pandemic era.
The Best New Words Invented in the COVID-19 Era
That’s our glossary of definitions for all the new words, slang and phrases that didn’t exist before the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic that are now deeply integrated into our everyday vocabularies. Did we miss any of your favorites?
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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, and fitness. Julie lives in New York where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women, kickboxing. And spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.
Join our community
For access to insider ideas and information on the world of luxury, sign up for our Dandelion Chandelier newsletter. And see luxury in a new light.