Modern dating has its own lingo, and one of the most commonly used is ‘Situationship’.

What does that mean? In Modern dating, Situationship means an unspoken arrangement where two people that are casually seeing each other romantically or physically, the word reflects the changing dynamics of contemporary connections.

Now, Oxford University Press has unveiled a shortlist of eight words for the prestigious Word of the Year title. The selection is based on a comprehensive analysis of a vast 22-billion-word corpus of language data, reflecting the societal shifts and trends that have characterized the year 2023.

Situationship this year turned out to stand out contender.

The term 'de-influencing' has also made its mark on the shortlist, representing the act of discouraging people from purchasing specific products or promoting reduced consumption, particularly through the influential realm of social media.

'Swiftie,' a word that has become synonymous with the fervent fans of pop sensation Taylor Swift, has found its place on the shortlist. The term reflects the dedicated and enthusiastic following that has grown around certain celebrities in the digital age.

Another intriguing entry is 'beige flag,' a noun that denotes a character trait suggesting a partner's lack of originality or a certain level of dullness. It encapsulates the idea of traits that are neither distinctly positive nor negative but are defining nonetheless.

The list also includes 'heat dome,' describing a persistent high-pressure weather system that traps hot air, emphasizing the growing impact of climate-related terms on our daily discourse.

The adjective 'parasocial' highlights the one-sided intimacy experienced by fans towards media celebrities, particularly in the era of social media, where followers may feel a false sense of friendship with their idols.

A more tech-centric entry is 'prompt,' denoting an instruction given to artificial intelligence programs or algorithms that influence the content they generate, underlining the increasing role of AI in our lives.

Lastly, 'rizz' brings a touch of style and charm to the shortlist, representing the ability to attract romantic or sexual partners.