“Single-use” has been named as Collins Dictionary’s “word of the year” it was announced this week, with “plogging” among those shortlisted for the title.
“Single-use”has seen a four-fold increase since 2013, with news stories and images such as those seen in the BBC’s Blue Planet II steeply raising public awareness of the issue, Collins says.
It describes “single-use” as a term that describes “items whose unchecked proliferation are blamed for damaging the environment and affecting the food chain”.
Not only was “single-use” highlighted for its use having been increased, but “plogging” was also given a mention and was also in the running for the title.
It also says “single-use” refers to products – often plastic – that are “made to be used once only” before disposal. Images of plastic adrift in the most distant oceans, such as straws, bottles, and bags have led to a global campaign to reduce their use.
Not only was “single-use” highlighted for its use having been increased, but “plogging” was also given a mention and was also in the running for the title.
According to the Collins Dictionary plogging is described as: “a recreational activity, originating in Sweden, that combines jogging with picking up litter”.
Other words in the running include “floss”, a dance move in which people twist their hips in one direction and swing their arms in the opposite direction; and “VAR”, an acronym for “video assistant referee”.
