"Fast fashion" and "masculinism": all the new words in the latest Larousse dictionary

Every year, 5,000 new words are proposed to the linguistic experts at Larousse. However, only 150 are selected to enrich the new edition of the dictionary. Bernard Cerquilini, a professor of linguistics and scientific advisor to the Petit Larousse, explains the selection criteria: "We verify that the word we select is well attested orally, in writing, by the young and the old" and because we believe "it has a future and is representative of a movement, an innovation, a concern". For this new edition, Larousse has chosen words that reflect our contrasting society. On one hand, words that express general anxiety about climate change: "mégabassine" (referring to the actions of environmentalists opposed to the installation of large water reservoirs, notably in Sainte-Soline, in the Deux-Sèvres), "agrotoxique", or "fast fashion". On the other hand, words that present themselves as solutions to these concerns have been added such as "écogeste", "zéro déchet", or "verdir".

Perhaps in honor of the 2024 Paris Olympics? A number of sports-related words have been selected to appear in the new dictionary. Such as "ultra-trail", "badiste" (badminton player), "trottinettiste" or "skatepark". To avoid the Anglicism of the latter, Larousse suggests "planchodorme" or "parc à planches" as a French alternative. In the proper noun section of the dictionary, 40 personalities have made their entry: Beyoncé, the footballer Antoine Griezmann, or the actor Omar Sy. Some criticize that the addition of new words/names is merely a marketing technique to create an event. True or not, dictionaries manage to make headlines every year on this occasion. Those curious about these new terms will have the opportunity to explore them in the upcoming edition of the Petit Larousse, scheduled for May 22nd.