"Goblin Mode" is a slang term that describes someone or something with erratic or evil behavior, literally having goblin-like traits. The term was coined in 2009 when an Urban Dictionary user wrote the definition as, "When you lose yourself so you resort to becoming a goblin."
On December 5, 2022, Oxford Languages announced that "Goblin Mode" was the 2022 word of the year. The word won a poll of over 300,000 users of the Oxford English Dictionary. The dictionary describes the word as, "a type of behavior which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations.'
However, some people thought this definition was too negative and that "goblin mode" could be attributed to being more of a weirdo.
The dictionary also attributed "goblin mode" to the global pandemic where people were more likely to be lazy and exhibit goblin-like behavior post-quarantine, and sequester themselves inside more often.
The linguist Ben Zimmer said the term "gives people the license to ditch social norms and embrace new ones."
Japan just announced goblin mode
— im mender? :/ (@im_mender_) December 5, 2022
this is huge pic.twitter.com/emwj2nsx3H
Goblin Mode was popularized in 2020 by Twitter user @meowmeowmeuw, who photoshopped a fake news article about Julia Fox, that claimed Kanye West "didn't like it when I went goblin mode."
Before you throw caution to the wind, please consult with your doctor to fid out if going 'goblin mode' is right for you.
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