‘Brexiety’ is official word
Ten words and expressions that have become popular since the Brexit referendum have been revealed by Collins Dictionary, which has named the selection the “Brexicon”.
The words range from the obvious, such as Brexiteer, Remainer or no-deal, to expressions such as cakeism, Project Fear, flextension and even “brexiety”.
The latter is defined as “a state of heightened anxiety triggered by concerns about the imminent withdrawal of Britain from the European Union”.
Connexion has noted that French Wikipedia has started to refer to Brexit as “le Brexit ou crise du Brexit” (Brexit or Brexit crisis).
Also, according to the same web page: “This phenomenon of repeatedly putting off, where the matter of leaving is ceaselessly studied without ever being resolved, is described by a new portmanteau word, ‘Brexiternité’ [Brexiternity].”
Collins language consultant Helen Newstead said: “The dictionary has no opinion on Brexit, other than to say it has been quite generous in its gifts to the English language, as well as, I am sure, inspiring the use of many old-fashioned expletives.”
See also: Parlez-vous brexit?
