Magical?
Dreamy?
Nope.
Don’t let the pink skies fool you. 2018 kept its mask on till its very last day.
Toxic is the Oxford English Dictionary’s word of 2018. Defined as “poisonous”, the word’s deadly history dates all the way back to the ancient Greeks and their lethal arrows. Toxic is derived from the Greek “toxon” meaning “bow”, as arrows were often poisoned with what the Greeks called toxicon pharmakon, or “poison of the bow”. What is really interesting about the origin of the word is its later use. Toxon became toxicum in Latin, a general word used to describe any type of poison, while pharmakon gained medical connotation.
Fast forward to 2018, the meaning of the word toxic has not changed much. Bows and arrows might not be used as often these days, but humanity has found another way of spreading poison – both in literal and metaphorical sense.
Here are the Top 10 ‘toxic’ collocates in 2018:
- Chemical
- Masculinity
- Substance
- Gas
- Environment
- Relationship
- Culture
- Waste
- Algae
- Air
Sourced from https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/word-of-the-year/word-of-the-year-2018
The article linked above talks about all the different ways 2018 has proven to be toxic. I think we can agree that we have all felt the toxicity in our lives in one way or another this year. Most importantly, I believe that this negativity has pushed us to do better and work together towards a more wholesome future. 2018 has been an incredibly inspiring year despite its bad reputation. Maybe these pinks skies aren’t as toxic after all. Maybe they are filled with love, hope and dreams for a better tomorrow, and a happier new year.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language
And next year’s words await another voice.
And to make an end is to make a beginning.” – T.S. Eliot
Happy New Year world!
Socially Responsible 