In today's fast-changing world, language evolves continuously. New words enter the dictionary, slang becomes formal, and creative blends of existing terms create fresh expressions. Whether you’re a student, content writer, or a language enthusiast, learning new vocabulary is key to keeping your English sharp and current.
In this article, we've compiled 100 new or modern English words—including tech slang, hybrid terms, and words gaining popularity in media, education, and social platforms.
? Why Learn New English Words?
Improves communication skills
Boosts academic and professional writing
Makes your speech more expressive
Enhances reading comprehension
Keeps you updated with modern usage
? List of 100 New English Words (with Meaning)
✳️ Divided into 10 categories for easier understanding and usage
1. Technology & Internet
Unsend – To recall a message or email after it’s been sent
Ghosting – Suddenly cutting off all communication without explanation
Scroll-stopping – Eye-catching content that makes someone stop scrolling
Textpectation – The anticipation felt when waiting for a text reply
Cyberloafing – Wasting time online while at work
Finsta – A secret or fake Instagram account
Adorkable – Adorably awkward
Nomophobia – Fear of being without your mobile phone
Photobomb – To ruin a photo by appearing in it unexpectedly
Deepfake – Fake content made using AI to mimic real people
2. Work & Career
Resenteeism – Staying in a job while being unhappy and unproductive
Upskill – To learn new skills to improve one’s job prospects
Side hustle – A part-time job or project outside regular work
Solopreneur – A solo entrepreneur
Hybrid work – A flexible work model with both remote and office options
Hustle culture – A lifestyle that glorifies working hard constantly
Boomerang employee – Someone who leaves a company and then returns
Quiet quitting – Doing the bare minimum at work without officially quitting
Zoom fatigue – Exhaustion from too many video calls
Digital nomad – Someone who works remotely while traveling
3. Social & Lifestyle
Hangry – Hungry + angry
Destress – To reduce stress
Framily – Friends considered as close as family
Dad bod – A body shape typical of an average middle-aged man
Adulting – Doing grown-up things and responsibilities
Spill the tea – To share gossip
Ghost kitchen – A delivery-only restaurant
Plogging – Jogging while picking up litter
Skinfluencer – A skincare influencer
Self-care – Activities done to promote mental and physical health
4. Environment & Nature
Greentrolling – Shaming polluters publicly on social media
Carbon footprint – Amount of carbon dioxide released by activities
Greenwashing – Falsely claiming environmental friendliness
Climatarian – Someone who chooses food based on its climate impact
E-waste – Discarded electronic devices
Rewilding – Returning land to its natural, uncultivated state
Solar punk – A futuristic vision focused on sustainability
Thrift-flip – Transforming old clothes into new outfits
Eco-anxiety – Stress caused by environmental concerns
Upcycle – Reusing items to create something of higher value
5. Health & Wellness
Maskne – Acne caused by wearing face masks
Vax – Short for vaccine or vaccinated
Mindful eating – Eating slowly and being aware of your food
Pandemic fatigue – Mental exhaustion caused by COVID-related stress
Digital detox – Taking a break from screens and devices
Sleep hygiene – Habits that improve quality of sleep
Quaranteam – People you interacted with during quarantine
Zoom burnout – Tiredness from frequent video calls
Healthspan – The period of life spent in good health
Fitspiration – Fitness + inspiration, usually seen on social media
6. Fashion & Trends
Cottagecore – A fashion style inspired by rural and vintage life
Athleisure – Clothing that combines athletic wear with casual style
Thriftcore – Fashion made entirely from thrifted items
Y2K aesthetic – Style inspired by late 90s and early 2000s fashion
Sustainable fashion – Clothes made with environmental ethics
Normcore – Dressing in ordinary, basic clothes on purpose
Capsule wardrobe – A small collection of versatile clothing
Statement piece – A bold fashion item that stands out
Genderless fashion – Clothing not restricted by gender norms
Clout goggles – Trendy round-frame sunglasses made popular by influencers
7. Education & Learning
Edtech – Educational technology
MOOC – Massive Open Online Course
Gamification – Using game elements in learning
Blended learning – Combining online and in-person teaching
Microschool – A small, flexible, private learning environment
Learning loss – Knowledge gaps due to school closures
Digital classroom – Online learning environments
Flipped classroom – Learning at home, practicing in class
Self-paced learning – Learning at your own speed
Edupreneur – Someone who builds businesses in education
8. Media & Pop Culture
Binge-watch – Watch multiple episodes in one sitting
Cancel culture – Boycotting public figures for problematic behavior
Stan – An overly enthusiastic fan
Ship – To support a romantic relationship between characters
Main character energy – Acting like you're the star of your own story
Viral – Something spreading rapidly online
FYP – For You Page (on TikTok)
Cameo – A short appearance by a celebrity
Spoiler alert – Warning before revealing key plot details
Crossover – When characters from different stories meet
9. Finance & Economy
Cryptocurrency – Digital money like Bitcoin
NFT – Non-Fungible Token, unique digital asset
Cashless – Not using physical money
Budgeteer – A person who strictly manages a budget
Micro-investing – Investing small amounts regularly
Finfluencer – Financial influencer
Buy now, pay later – A payment method in installments
Inflation fatigue – Tiredness from rising prices
Green investing – Investing in eco-friendly companies
Recession-proof – Jobs or products not affected by economic downturns
10. Fun & Slang
Snacc – A good-looking person
Flex – Showing off
Simp – Overly submissive person in love
No cap – For real, no lie
Lit – Awesome or exciting
Lowkey – Quietly or secretly
Highkey – Very obvious or open
Savage – Bold, cool, or ruthless
Mood – Expression of a relatable feeling
Vibe check – Testing the atmosphere or someone’s energy
? Final Thoughts
Adding just a few new words to your vocabulary each day can dramatically improve your language skills. From tech and fashion to education and lifestyle, the English language continues to grow in exciting and creative directions.
Challenge: Try using at least 5 of these new words in your conversation or writing today.
