Binge-watch is Collins' dictionary's Word of the Year

5 November 2015

Collins English Dictionary has chosen binge-watch as its 2015 Word of the Year.

Meaning "to watch a large number of television programmes (especially all the shows from one series) in succession", it reflects a marked change in viewing habits, due to subscription services like Netflix.

Lexicographers noticed that its usage was up 200% on 2014.

Other entries include dadbod, ghosting and clean eating.

Helen Newstead, Head of Language Content at Collins, said: "The rise in usage of 'binge-watch' is clearly linked to the biggest sea change in our viewing habits since the advent of the video recorder nearly 40 years ago.

"It's not uncommon for viewers to binge-watch a whole season of programmes such as House of Cards or Breaking Bad in just a couple of evenings - something that, in the past, would have taken months - then discuss their binge-watching on social media."

Those partaking in binge-watching run the risk of dadbod, one of ten in the word of the year list.

Referring to an untoned and slightly plump male physique, dadbod is not without its admirers, with actors like Seth Rogen and Leonardo DiCaprio fitting the purported brief.

"Once again, the list of Collins' Words of the Year offers a fascinating snapshot of the ever-changing English language," said Newstead.

Those words that remain popular could be included in the next print edition of the Collins English Dictionary, due in 2018.

Collins' Words of the Year, plus definitions

binge-watch (verb): to watch a large number of television programmes (especially all the shows from one series) in succession
clean eating (noun): following a diet that contains only natural foods, and is low in sugar, salt, and fat
contactless (adjective): referring to payments, smart cards, etc that utilize RFID (radio-frequency identity) technology and do not require a PIN or signature from the customer
Corbynomics (noun): the economic policies advocated by the UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn
dadbod (noun): an untoned and slightly plump male physique, especially one considered attractive
ghosting (noun): ending a relationship by ignoring all communication from the other person
manspreading (noun): the act or an instance of a male passenger in a bus or train splaying his legs in a way that denies space to the passenger sitting next to him
shaming (noun): attempting to embarrass a person or group by drawing attention to their perceived offence, especially on social media
swipe (verb): to move a finger across a touchscreen on a mobile phone in order to approve (swipe right) or dismiss (swipe left) an image
transgender (adjective): of or relating to a person whose gender identity does not fully correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth

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