The word "rage bait" has been chosen as the new word of the year by the Oxford Dictionary. This term refers to content that intentionally provokes to attract the attention of internet users, as stated in a message on the Oxford University Press website.
Kasper Gratvol, president of the Oxford Faculty of Languages, noted that the growing use of the term "rage bait" indicates that society is beginning to recognize the manipulative techniques used online.
The word itself comes from the English words rage and bait. Over the past year, its usage has increased threefold.
The term "rage bait" first appeared in 2002 on the Usenet platform, where it was used to describe aggressive behavior of drivers on the roads. Over time, it transformed into internet slang and became part of the professional vocabulary of media and content specialists.
The shortlist also included the terms aura farming (creating an appealing public image to evoke a sense of confidence or mystery) and biohack (the pursuit of improving physical or mental performance through dietary changes, physical activity, or the use of various substances and devices).
Last year, the word of the year according to the Oxford Dictionary was the expression brain rot.
