“Aura” is the German Youth Word of the Year: For “Talahon” and “Scissors”
The youth has spoken
The youth jury has chosen “Aura” as the German Youth Word of the Year 2022. The jury, consisting of 10 to 20-year-olds, selected the word from over 3,500 submissions. The decision was made public on October 20, 2022.
What does “Aura” mean?
According to the youth jury, “Aura” has several meanings, but it primarily describes a certain vibe or atmosphere that a person or place exudes. It can be positive or negative. For example, someone who is particularly charismatic or likeable can be described as having a strong “Aura.”
The word has also taken on a more specific meaning in recent years, especially in online contexts. Here, “Aura” often refers specifically to the profile picture or avatar that a person uses on social media.
Other popular youth words
In addition to “Aura,” the jury also selected a number of other popular youth words, including:
- “Talahon” (meaning “boring” or “uncool”)
- “Schere” (meaning “scissor” or “lame”)
- “Digger” (meaning “dude” or “bro”)
- “Smash” (meaning “to have sex”)
- “YOLO” (meaning “you only live once”)
Why are these words popular?
There are a number of reasons why these words have become popular among young people. Some of the words, such as “Talahon” and “Schere,” are simply new and trendy. Others, such as “Digger” and “Smash,” have taken on specific meanings within youth culture.
Finally, some of the words, such as “YOLO,” have become popular because they reflect the values and attitudes of young people. For example, “YOLO” expresses the idea that life is short and should be lived to the fullest.
Conclusion
The German Youth Word of the Year is a reflection of the language and culture of young people in Germany. The words that are chosen each year provide a snapshot of the youth mindset and the trends that are shaping their lives.
