‘Single-use’ is named year’s top buzzword

“SINGLE-USE” has been named Word Of The Year – while “gammon”, “gaslight” and “backstop” also make an appearance.

“Single-use” refers to products, often plastic, made to be used once before being thrown away, with lexicographers saying that use of the word has gone up four times since 2013.

Collins Dictionary experts have created an annual list of new and notable words.

“Gaslight” – to manipulate others, often romantic partners, by leading them to question their sanity – makes the list, having seen a big rise.

“Gammon”, used as an insult to describe white middle-aged Brexit supporters, is also included, as is “backstop”, which has seen an increase in use in reference to what might happen with the Irish border once the UK leaves the EU.

“Whitewash” is also on the list, following criticism about casting white actors as characters from ethnic minority backgrounds.

“MeToo” is also a word of the year, with lexicographers saying it has become part of the language, thanks to phrases such as “the MeToo era” and “MeToo moment” in relation to campaigns against sexual harassment.

Other words include “plogging”, which combines jogging with picking up litter, and “vegan”, which has become “increasingly mainstream”.

“VAR” gets a mention (for the video assistant referee, in sports), as does “floss”, the victory dance and playground craze.

The words will be entered into CollinsDictionary.com and considered for future print editions. “Plogging” and “VAR” are new to the dictionary and will be in next week’s new edition.