November 19th 2024.
The year 2024 has been a tumultuous one for Australians, as they have faced increasing pressure from the rising cost of living. But it's not just their wallets that are feeling the strain. A recent investigation into the soaring food prices and profits of major supermarkets has sparked anger among consumers. And now, that frustration has even made its way into the dictionary.
The Australian National Dictionary Centre, located at the prestigious Australian National University, has announced their choice for the 2024 Word of the Year: "Colesworth." This clever blend of the names of Australia's two largest supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths, has become a popular term used to highlight the dominance and market share of these retail giants.
According to Senior Researcher Mark Gwynn, "Colesworth" has been predominantly used in a negative context, reflecting the growing distrust and resentment towards the supermarkets. "Aussies are leaving the stores with less in their bags but are still hearing about massive profits in the industry," he explained. And with official investigations revealing questionable pricing practices, it's no wonder that everyday shoppers are feeling cynical.
While the term "Colesworth" has been circulating for a few years now, its usage has spiked in the past 12 months. This coincides with the release of the ACCC's interim report in September, which found that the Australian supermarket sector is dominated by a duopoly, with Coles and Woolworths accounting for a staggering 67% of sales. The report also highlighted the growing dissatisfaction among consumers, who have lost faith in the supermarkets and their pricing claims.
But "Colesworth" wasn't the only word that caught the attention of the Australian National Dictionary Centre. There were several other contenders that made it to the shortlist for the 2024 Word of the Year. These included terms related to politics, tax, and climate change, indicating the current issues that are at the forefront of the public's mind.
One of the shortlisted words, "breaking," gained popularity after the stunning performance of Australian artist RayGun at the Paris Olympic Games. The performer's unique style and unconventional approach to the sport of "breaking" captivated audiences worldwide. Other notable contenders for the Word of the Year included "climate trigger," "ute tax," and "YIMBY" (Yes In My Backyard).
Last year, the 2023 Word of the Year was "Matilda," and it seems that Australians are not only passionate about their language but also about their nation's current affairs. To stay up to date with all the latest news, including breaking news, sports, politics, and weather, you can download the 9News app. It's available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play, so you can stay informed on the go.
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