'Single-use' named word of the year by Collins Dictionary

Collins Dictionary says we're hearing a lot more of "single-use"
AFP/Getty Images
Katy Clifton7 November 2018

“Single-use” has been named word of the year by Collins Dictionary.

The adjective applied to disposable plastic products has been named as word of 2018 by Collins, who says use of the term has risen fourfold since 2013 as pollution climbs the political agenda.

Other entries on the dictionary's list of new and notable words include "backstop" - a legal guarantee about the Irish border after Brexit.

Another to make the list is "gammon," a derogatory British term for an angry pink-faced person sometimes used against supporters of leaving the European Union.

Brexit terms have appeared on Collins' list of new and notable words 
PA Wire/PA Images

"MeToo" also makes the list released on Wednesday.

The dictionary says the campaign against sexual harassment and abuse has become part of the language in phrases such as "the MeToo era" and "MeToo moment."

“Single-use” takes the word of the year spot from “fake news”, which was given the title last year after Collins saw a 365 per cent rise in the use since 2016.

"Corbynmania" also enjoyed a resurgence in 2017 thanks to last year’s general election coverage.

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