Decoding 2024's Language: Le Robert's Top 10

Every year, as the calendar pages dwindle, we often reflect on the events that have shaped the past twelve months. But what if we could gain insight into the year's pulse through its very language? The esteemed French online dictionary, Le Robert, offers a fascinating linguistic mirror, annually publishing a list of the ten words that have seen the most significant surge in online consultations. These aren't just random terms; they are linguistic markers, each one a timestamp, reflecting the major news stories, political debates, cultural shifts, and even the occasional amusing misunderstanding that captivated our collective attention. Join us as we delve into the lexicon of 2024, exploring the surprising and sometimes revealing vocabulary that defined a momentous year.

The Weight of Pride: Hubris

Topping Le Robert's list for 2024, and indeed a significant contender in 2023, is the ancient Greek term hubris. This powerful word, often spelled 'hybris', denotes an excessive, overweening pride or self-confidence that ultimately leads to one's downfall. Its dramatic resurgence in 2024 was deeply intertwined with political events. We saw a remarkable spike in searches for 'hubris' in early June 2024, immediately following the unexpected dissolution of the National Assembly. This was further amplified during the second round of legislative elections, suggesting a public grappling with the perceived arrogance or overreach of political figures. Notably, this word was 'resurrected' in 2018 by then-Interior Minister Gérard Collomb, who famously applied it to President Emmanuel Macron. Its continued relevance underscores a public preoccupation with accountability and the dangers of unchecked power, making it a truly resonant word for the year.

A Blast from the Past: Beeper

Thought to be a relic of the past, the humble beeper – or pager, as it's more commonly known in the UK – made a shocking return to prominence on 17th September 2024. This small device, designed to receive written messages or audible alerts (hence the 'beep' sound), became front-page news when hundreds of them, reportedly held by members of Hezbollah in Lebanon, simultaneously exploded. Patented in the United States in 1949 and hugely popular throughout the 1980s and 1990s, beepers were largely supplanted by mobile phones. However, they've clearly retained a niche presence in certain sectors, particularly where secure, one-way communication or a robust alert system is required, such as in emergency services or hospital environments. The unprecedented events of September 17th triggered a spectacular surge in consultations for this word, particularly among younger generations unfamiliar with the technology, and perhaps reigniting memories for those who once carried one.

The Political Lexicon: Colistier and Cloporte

The intensity of the American presidential election campaign in 2024 cast a significant spotlight on the word 'colistier'. While typically translated as 'running mate' in the context of US politics, the French term refers more broadly to a person standing for election on the same list as another. In the American context, it specifically denotes the vice-presidential candidate. The word experienced various peaks in searches throughout the campaign, correlating with key moments such as the nomination of J. D. Vance as Donald Trump's running mate in July, and Tim Walz as Kamala Harris's in August. Subsequent events like Walz's acceptance of the nomination and the debates between the running mates further cemented its prominence. Intriguingly, the word 'caucus', referring to a closed-door meeting of a political party's elected officials, also saw high search volumes, particularly around the Iowa caucus which marked the beginning of the Republican primaries.

According to Le Robert's online dictionary, a 'cloporte' is simply "a small arthropod animal that lives under stones" – what we in the UK would call a woodlouse. Yet, 2024 revealed a far less innocent application of the term. In a highly charged reaction to the dissolution of the National Assembly, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire declared on 20th June 2024: "The floors of ministries and the palaces of the Republic are full of woodlice." This remark was not aimed at the actual invertebrates but rather, quite pointedly, at Emmanuel Macron's advisors. The strong figurative use of 'cloporte' to describe a repugnant and servile individual, alluding to the animal's creeping behaviour and preference for obscure, often dirty environments, sparked a significant increase in searches. It certainly did little to reassure those to whom the epithet was directed, highlighting the power of language in political discourse and the sharp edge of political metaphor.

Societal Reflection: Feminicide and Sororité

Reflecting a grim reality alongside a shifting societal perspective, the word feminicide tragically saw increased consultations throughout 2024, often correlating with reported incidents. This term, which emerged in 1992 influenced by the Mexican Spanish 'feminicidio' (itself adapted from the English 'femicide'), specifically denotes the murder of a woman because of her sex, particularly by a current or former partner. Its usage has progressively gained ground in the media, replacing euphemistic and now largely unacceptable terms such as 'crime of passion' or 'domestic tragedy'. This linguistic evolution signifies a crucial societal acknowledgement and condemnation of gender-based violence, pushing for more accurate and impactful terminology. As a poignant counterpoint, the word 'sororité' (sorority), meaning solidarity among women (from the Latin 'soror' for 'sister'), also experienced a rise in searches, notably in response to the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, which featured a segment specifically titled "Sororité", celebrating female unity and strength.

Health and Sport: Vérole and Paralympique

Curiously, the word 'vérole' experienced a notable surge in searches on Le Robert's online dictionary towards the end of August 2024. This spike occurred shortly after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) regarding the mpox epidemic, an infectious disease previously known as monkeypox. The surprising increase in consultations for 'vérole' is likely linked to its close association with 'variole', the French term for smallpox, a disease also historically referred to as 'petite vérole' (small pox). It's plausible that this linguistic proximity and potential confusion led internet users to search for the term, seeking clarity amidst public health concerns and the need to differentiate between various infectious diseases.

The grandeur of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games brought the adjective 'paralympique' into sharp focus. This term is borrowed from the English portmanteau 'Paralympics', a combination of 'paraplegic' and 'Olympics', which literally meant "Olympic Games for paraplegics". In French, the prefix 'para-' has recently been used to coin names for sports practised by individuals with disabilities, such as 'para-athletics', 'para-rowing', 'para-badminton', and 'para-judo', collectively grouped under the umbrella term 'parasport'. Consequently, words designating the athletes themselves, like 'parasportif', 'para-athlete', and 'para-judoka', have also entered common parlance. This linguistic evolution reflects a broader societal recognition and celebration of adaptive sports and the incredible achievements of para-athletes, shifting focus from disability to capability.

The Undercurrents of Influence: Entrisme and Nyctalope

On 18th April 2024, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal ignited significant public discourse by denouncing "more or less organised groups seeking to engage in Islamist entrisme," advocating "the precepts of Sharia law, particularly in our schools." This controversial declaration led to a considerable surge in searches for the word 'entrisme' on Le Robert's dictionary. Originating from the history of Leninism and Trotskyism, this political term describes the tactic of seeking to influence a group by having individuals infiltrate it and work from within. It signifies a deliberate strategy to gain influence or control over an organisation by joining it. The French term 'noyautage' is sometimes used synonymously, referring to the act of "core-ing" or infiltrating a group. Attal's use of the word brought a niche political concept into mainstream consciousness, highlighting concerns over ideological infiltration and societal values.

Perhaps the most charmingly perplexing entry on this year's list is the rare word 'nyctalope'. Its inclusion owes itself entirely to a delightful misunderstanding. In October 2024, during a kindergarten class in Nice, a teacher was discussing cats with her young pupils. One child, with remarkable linguistic precision, uttered the word 'nyctalope'. The teacher, misinterpreting it as an insult, promptly excluded the child from the class. However, 'nyctalope' is far from an insult; it's an adjective used to describe beings that can see at night, derived from the Greek 'nyctos' (night) and 'ops' (sight). News of this amusing anecdote spread rapidly across the media, prompting a wave of internet users to consult the dictionary, seemingly needing to see the definition for themselves to believe the story. It serves as a wonderful reminder of the unexpected ways language can surprise and entertain, especially when wielded by an observant child.

Environmental Vigilance: PFAS

Neither simple to understand nor easy to pronounce, the acronym PFAS – pronounced 'pee-fass' in English – clearly sparked widespread curiosity in 2024. Until recently, this obscure term was largely unknown to the general public. However, it came to prominence on 4th April 2024 when the French National Assembly adopted a bill at its first reading, aimed at protecting the population from the risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These toxic substances are highly valued for their non-stick, waterproof, and heat-resistant properties, making them ubiquitous in numerous everyday products, including frying pans, food packaging, textiles, cosmetics, and even firefighting foams. The critical concern surrounding PFAS stems from their extreme persistence in the environment, earning them the ominous moniker of "eternal pollutants" due to their resistance to natural degradation. Their inclusion on this list underscores growing public awareness and concern regarding environmental health, chemical contamination, and the urgent need for regulatory action.

A Snapshot of 2024: The Top Words at a Glance

To summarise the linguistic landscape of 2024, here’s a quick overview of Le Robert’s top words:

Frequently Asked Questions About the Words of the Year

How are these "Words of the Year" chosen by Le Robert?
Le Robert, a prominent French online dictionary, compiles its annual list by identifying the words that have experienced the most significant increase in online consultations on its website throughout the year. This method directly reflects public curiosity and engagement with specific vocabulary, often triggered by current events, public declarations, or cultural phenomena. It’s a data-driven approach that provides a snapshot of the year's linguistic trends based on real user behaviour, offering unique insights into what captured the public's attention.

What do these words tell us about the year 2024?
The selection of these words offers a compelling narrative of 2024. They highlight a year marked by significant political upheaval and public scrutiny of power (hubris, 'cloporte', entrisme), global incidents with surprising linguistic echoes (beeper), evolving social consciousness around critical issues (feminicide, 'sororité'), major sporting events promoting inclusivity ('paralympique'), growing environmental concerns (PFAS), and even moments of unexpected linguistic humour ('nyctalope'). Collectively, they paint a vivid picture of the year's defining moments and the public's engagement with them, demonstrating how language mirrors societal shifts and significant events.

Are these words entirely new to the lexicon?
Not at all. Many of the words on the list, such as 'hubris', 'beeper', 'feminicide', and 'vérole', are not new creations. Instead, they are words that have seen a resurgence or a renewed relevance due to specific events or shifts in public discourse. Some, like 'hubris', have ancient origins, while others, like 'beeper', represent older technologies brought back into the spotlight. The list often features words that were previously obscure or niche, now thrust into the mainstream by current affairs, proving that language is constantly recycling and redefining itself.

Will these words remain popular or influential in the future?
The future popularity of these words varies. Terms linked to ongoing societal issues like feminicide and PFAS are likely to maintain their prominence as these concerns persist and continue to be discussed in public discourse. Words tied to specific, dramatic events, such as beeper or 'cloporte', might see their search volumes decrease once the immediate news cycle fades, though they will forever be associated with the 2024 events that propelled them into the spotlight. Words like 'paralympique' are now firmly embedded in our everyday sports vocabulary. The list serves as a historical record of a linguistic moment, capturing the words that resonated most strongly in a particular year, reflecting their ephemeral or enduring impact.

Is there a similar "Word of the Year" tradition in other countries or dictionaries?
Yes, absolutely! Many dictionaries and linguistic institutions around the world have their own "Word of the Year" traditions. Oxford English Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, Collins Dictionary, and Dictionary.com are just a few examples that annually announce their selections, often based on similar criteria of increased usage, cultural significance, or reflection of the year's mood. While their methodologies might differ slightly, the underlying aim is similar: to capture the linguistic zeitgeist of the past year and provide a cultural commentary through language. This global trend highlights the universal human fascination with language and its evolution.

As we close the chapter on 2024, Le Robert's annual linguistic review offers a unique and insightful perspective. The words that surged in public interest – from the ancient echoes of hubris to the modern concerns of PFAS – serve as more than just dictionary entries; they are cultural artefacts, each carrying the weight of the events and discussions that defined the year. They remind us that language is a dynamic, living entity, constantly evolving and reacting to the world around us. In this fascinating collection, we find a compelling summary of 2024's complexities, challenges, and even its moments of unexpected charm. Understanding these words helps us not only to grasp the past year but also to better articulate the ongoing narrative of our times.

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