The term “goofy” is the youth word of the year 2023. The word, which stands for a clumsy or silly person, received around 39 percent of the votes in an online voting process among young people.
There were three top terms to choose from, “Goofy” prevailed: it is the youth word of the year 2023. In a vote by Langenscheidt-Verlag, the term received around 39 percent of the votes. The winning word, which describes a clumsy, silly person or behavior that makes others laugh, was announced live for the first time at the 75th Frankfurt Book Fair.
Since June 7th, young people have been able to vote on their favorite word in several rounds. Overall, participation was in the high six-figure range – higher than ever before, as the publisher announced. However, only the votes of participants between the ages of ten and 20 were counted.
A “side eye” on the “NPC”
“Side eye” and “NPC” followed in second and third place. “Side eye” means a skeptical look towards a person or situation, “NPC” stands for “non-player character”, i.e. someone who only passively perceives what is happening around them.
With “Goofy”, a term that older generations still know has made it to first place. The term became known as early as 1939 as a cartoon character by Walt Disney. As a loyal friend of Mickey Mouse, Goofy is particularly notable for his naivety and clumsiness.
Susanne Dauber has been reading the top ten “Youth Word of the Year” since 2021.
From “Cringe” to “Goofy”
Even at her age, she could relate to the term “Goofy,” said tagesschau– Spokeswoman Susanne Daubner of the dpa news agency. She immediately thinks of the comic character, says the 62-year-old.
Daubner first caused a stir on social media with the youth word in 2021 when she explained the winning word “Cringe” (to make others ashamed) in a state-supporting tone: “Cringe” is the feeling you have when I say the following sentence: “Digga How fly is the ‘Tagesschau’ when it flexes with young people’s words. Works for you – ARD.”
Langenscheidt-Verlag has been choosing the youth word of the year since 2008. Since 2020, young people have been able to submit and vote for the youth word of the year at Langenscheidt Verlag. Previously it was determined by a jury. When submitting submissions, a committee only ensures that certain criteria are met. Submissions with racist, sexist and homophobic references, among other things, are not permitted. Last year’s winner was “Smash”.