There is no doubt this was a challenging year that brought some distinct language into focus. As a result of the pandemic, we learned a whole new lexicon. But it was so much more than that. From the tragic murder of George Floyd and the outpouring of support for the Black Lives Matter Movement to an election cycle we will never forget, language has shaped our experience this year more than any other in recent memory.

There is no doubt this was a challenging year that brought some distinct language into focus. As a result of the pandemic, we learned a whole new lexicon. But it was so much more than that. From the tragic murder of George Floyd and the outpouring of support for the Black Lives Matter Movement to an election cycle we will never forget, language has shaped our experience this year more than any other in recent memory.

From shining examples that inspire us to clunkers we wish we could forget, there’s no denying 2019 was a year for Big. Language. Moments.

Spring cleaning season is approaching, but it seems like people have been in a cleaning frenzy all year long. Credit for that goes to Marie Kondo – her name is pretty much eponymous with decluttering.

Throughout American history, walls as symbols of division have played an important part in our political conversations.

Last week, temperatures in the northeastern and midwestern United States dropped to record lows. Wind chills were in the negatives (reaching as low as negative 60 degrees Fahrenheit in some places), schools and businesses were closed, flights were grounded. All this and more catastrophe was caused by one weather event – our first word to watch – the Polar Vortex.

From shining examples that inspire us to clunkers we wish we could forget, there’s no denying 2018 was a year for Big. Language. Moments.

From shining examples that inspire us to clunkers we wish we could forget, there’s no denying 2017 was a year for Big. Language. Moments.