The Oxford Dictionary has announced their 2013 word of the year, it is selfie, which has joined the likes of twerk, bitcoin and phablet that have also been added to the dictionary this year.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the use of Selfie has increased by 17,000 percent over the last year, and the word can apparently be tracked back to 2002.
Selfie can actually be traced back to 2002 when it was used in an Australian online forum. The word gained momentum throughout the English-speaking world in 2013 as it evolved from a social media buzzword to mainstream shorthand for a self-portrait photograph. Its linguistic productivity is already evident in the creation of numerous related spin-off terms showcasing particular parts of the body like helfie (a picture of one’s hair) and belfie (a picture of one’s posterior); a particular activity – welfie (workout selfie) and drelfie (drunken selfie), and even items of furniture – shelfie and bookshelfie.
The Evolution of ‘Selfie’
The earliest use of the word can be traced back to a forum post from 2002, you can find out more details over at the Oxford Dictionary. The term ‘selfie’ was initially a niche term used by a small group of internet users, but it quickly spread across various social media platforms. By 2013, it had become a ubiquitous term, used by people of all ages and backgrounds. The rise of smartphones with front-facing cameras significantly contributed to the popularity of selfies, making it easier for people to take and share self-portraits.
Impact on Popular Culture
The impact of the word ‘selfie’ on popular culture has been profound. Celebrities and public figures began to embrace the trend, often sharing selfies with their followers on platforms like Instagram and Twitter. This further fueled the word’s popularity and cemented its place in modern vernacular. The selfie phenomenon also led to the creation of the selfie stick, a device designed to help users take better selfies by extending the reach of their camera.
Moreover, the concept of the selfie has permeated various aspects of society. It has been the subject of academic studies, exploring its psychological and sociological implications. For instance, some researchers have examined the relationship between selfie-taking and self-esteem, while others have looked into the cultural significance of selfies in the digital age.
The word ‘selfie’ has also inspired numerous campaigns and events. For example, the #SelfieOlympics, a social media trend where participants compete to take the most creative and humorous selfies, gained widespread attention. Additionally, the ‘selfie’ has been used in marketing campaigns by brands looking to engage with younger audiences.
The word ‘selfie’ has had a remarkable journey from its humble beginnings in an Australian online forum to becoming the Oxford Dictionary’s word of the year in 2013. Its rapid rise in usage and cultural significance highlights the power of language to evolve and adapt to new technologies and social trends. As we continue to navigate the digital age, it will be interesting to see how the concept of the selfie and its related terms continue to develop and influence our communication and self-expression.
Source Ubergizmo
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