Merriam-Webster has selected “authentic” as the word of the year for 2023, a choice influenced by prominent figures like Taylor Swift and Elon Musk.
Merriam-Webster’s selection underscores the current societal focus on truth and facts. The word’s popularity surge is attributed to its frequent use in AI, celebrity culture, and social media discussions, signifying values such as genuineness and fidelity to one’s personality.
Prominent individuals like singers Lainey Wilson, Sam Smith, Taylor Swift, and entrepreneur Elon Musk have emphasised their “authentic voice” or “authentic self,” reflecting the word’s deep connection with personal identity and realness.
Additionally, the advent of artificial intelligence, blurring the lines between reality and fiction, has heightened the emphasis on authenticity, especially among celebrities, brands, and influencers.
“Deepfake,” another term gaining significant traction, is an altered image or recording meant to mislead. This term spiked in searches, particularly during legal proceedings involving Elon Musk and instances involving former President Donald Trump.
Merriam-Webster’s previous word of the year, “gaslighting,” along with other notable terms like “coronation,” “dystopian,” and “rizz,” also saw considerable search traffic, showcasing the evolving linguistic landscape of 2023.
