Every year, major dictionaries attempt to capture the mood of the world in a single word. It’s never just about language — it’s about power, attention, technology, and how humans adapt to rapidly changing environments.✍️💻

Here’s how different institutions summed up the year:

• Oxford: Rage bait – Online content deliberately designed to elicit anger or outrage by being frustrating, provocative, or offensive, typically posted to increase traffic or engagement.

• The Economist: Slop – Low-quality, nonsensical, or AI-generated content that clutters the internet and social media.

• Collins Dictionary: Vibe coding – An AI-driven approach to software development where natural language is turned into computer code, emphasizing a seamless, almost effortless creative workflow.

• Cambridge Dictionary: Parasocial – Involving or relating to a connection someone feels with a famous person, fictional character, or artificial intelligence, despite no real reciprocal relationship.

• Dictionary.com: 67 (six-seven) – An ambiguous Gen Alpha slang term meaning “so-so” or “maybe,” notable for its dramatic rise in searches and viral usage.

As the end of the year approaches, many of us start thinking and reflecting on the year that has passed and planning the year ahead.✨

It’s not always that simple, though. Have you ever found yourself setting the same goals for years without being able to achieve them? I have—and it’s been really frustrating.

But maybe the problem isn’t us… maybe it’s the way we set our goals.

The SMART method of goal setting says that a goal should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When goals are set this way, they become much easier to plan and achieve—because at the end of the day, a goal without a plan is just a wish.🎯

🎥Here’s a short video explaining How to Actually Achieve Your Goals in 2026

Are you setting goals for the next year? React below 👇

❤️ Yes, goal setting is important for me
🤔No, I currently don’t set goals

🎄 Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ✨

The ENGin team is sending you warm wishes this holiday season. We know this time of year can feel very different for everyone — joyful, quiet or a mix of everything. However you’re spending these days, we hope you feel a bit of warmth, care, and connection ❄️

We’ll be on a short winter break from December 24 to January 5, so there will be no posts during this time.

Thank you for being here and practicing English with us, step by step 🤍