Language shapes the world we live in—and connects us to one another. Those unique phrases, interesting words, and enduring quotes that suddenly seem to be everywhere and capture our attention… these are language moments. It’s language that changes the way we feel, the way we remember things, and the way we view the world. And 2024 is packed with them: language moments that jump out in our public conversation, to make us laugh, cringe, think, and learn. And we’ve captured the best of them.

This year in Language Moments

In 2024, it’s hard to imagine there was anything else besides a presidential election. But real life was happening, too… and language moments go beyond politics. That’s why this year, we’re offering two compilations. First, our usual montage of Language Moments from the year; and then a second “election edition.” The election video features the language that defined the presidential candidates and shaped the outcome of the 2024 campaign. Isn’t that very demure, and very mindful of us?  

There are a lot of year-end videos and by now you’ve seen plenty of analysis about the presidential election. But as always, we have a different take with our compilations. As language strategists, we listen all year to identify the language that not only stays with us after the moments pass, but also has a significant impact by how it makes people listen, care, and act. 

Language drives how business is done, how the world is run—and how elections are won. It’s where we specialize at maslansky + partners. We’re devoted to helping our clients win in business by creating the language they need to ensure success. 

What do you want your language to do for you in 2025? Need to find exactly the right words to change behavior and move an audience into action? We’d love to help. Contact us here.  

Until then, enjoy the videos. From “door plugs” to “demure.” From the “blue screen of death” to the “path of totality.”From “they’re eating the dogs” to “childless cat ladies.” These are our Top Language Moments from 2024 and from the presidential election. These are the moments that bind us together.