Goblin mode
to be very untidy
TRANSLATION
Goblin mode = auch genannt "Koboldmodus" ist ein Neologismus für die Ablehnung gesellschaftlicher Erwartungen und das ungepflegte, hedonistische Leben ohne Rücksicht auf das eigene Selbstbild.
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
“As you read this, look around. Are you still in bed? Are there piles of clothes and takeout food boxes strewn across the floor? Do you have chip crumbs on your sheets? Have you broken your self-care routine more times than you can count? Do you not even care? If so, you might already be in ‘GOBLIN MODE’ – chosen by the public as the 2022 Oxford Dictionary word of the year.”
Christian Edwards - CNN (6th December 2022)
Did you
know?
Goblin mode
noun phrase
- a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations
The Oxford Dictionary
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PHRASE ORIGIN
Usage of “goblin mode” rose in the first half of 2022, when Covid restrictions were being eased in many countries. Seemingly, it captured the prevailing mood of individuals who rejected the idea of returning to ‘normal life’, or rebelled against the increasingly unattainable aesthetic standards and unsustainable lifestyles exhibited on social media.
Lucy Knight in the Guardian
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MYTHICAL CREATURES
- DWARVES = small, stocky human-like creatures that are known for their skill in metalworking and crafting. They are often associated with mountains and underground tunnels.
- ELVES = small and human-like in appearance, with pointed ears and a magical nature. Known for being wise and powerful.
- FAIRIES = small, magical creatures that are often depicted as having wings and wearing colorful clothing. They are said to live in nature and are associated with magic and mischief.
- GNOMES = small, human-like creatures that are often associated with the earth and nature. They are said to live underground and are known for their love of gardening and mining.
- GOBLINS = small, mischievous creatures that are often associated with thievery. They are said to live in underground tunnels and are known for their love of causing trouble.
- HOBBITS = small, human-like creatures that are known for their love of food, comfort, and leisure. They are often associated with the countryside, and are known for their love of adventure and their dislike of fast-paced life.
- HOBGOBLINS = larger, more formidable versions of goblins. They are known for their love of causing chaos and mischief, and are often associated with dark magic.
- TROLLS = large, monstrous creatures that are often depicted as being strong and vicious. They are said to live in forests or mountains, and are known for their love of mischief and terrorizing humans.
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SMUGGLE OWAD into an English conversation, say something like:
“I wonder how many couples have kids living in GOBLIN MODE.”
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