Can a single word capture the essence of an entire year? In an era marked by dizzying change — pandemics, technological advances, social crises and cultural shifts — the words we pick as “word of the year” say far more than they appear to. They are small mirrors of the collective spirit, of the concerns, hopes and fears that define a community. In the Spanish-speaking world this practice takes on unique nuances, reflecting not only national realities but a complex linguistic tapestry shared by more than 500 million people.
In many countries, institutions such as the Real Academia Española (RAE), FundéuRAE and media outlets carry out an annual exercise in cultural synthesis: choosing the word that, by its frequency, symbolic weight or social relevance, best defined the past twelve months. The phenomenon, most firmly rooted in English-speaking contexts such as Oxford’s “Word of the Year”, has gained ground in the Hispanic world over the last decade, revealing fascinating linguistic curiosities. In Spain, for example, the word may revolve around political debate, while in Argentina it may emerge from urban lunfardo slang, and in Mexico it may be anchored in social or cultural phenomena.
So what do the words chosen each year in Spanish-speaking countries reveal? This article sets out to review some of those recent choices, analyse their context and reflect on their meaning and cultural impact. Because understanding the words of the year is not only a matter of semantics, but of collective identity.
The practice of choosing “the word of the year”
The selection of the word of the year is not arbitrary. It is generally based on criteria such as heavy presence in the media, on social networks and in public discourse, or its capacity to represent a cultural, political or social phenomenon. Institutions such as the Fundación del Español Urgente (FundéuRAE) in Spain choose their word according to linguistic topicality and grammatical correctness, whereas media outlets or universities in Latin America opt for more local approaches.
These words work as markers of memory: they condense a society’s debates, emotions and trends. Some are new, others resurface with adapted meanings. The phenomenon has also taken on a participatory tone in many countries, where the public can propose or vote for candidates. At heart, it is a collective exercise in self-observation.
Recent words of the year: a tour of the Spanish-speaking world
The table below sets out words of the year selected between 2020 and 2024 in a number of Spanish-speaking countries, along with the reasoning behind each choice:
| Country | Year | Word of the year | Reason for the choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain | 2022 | “Inflación” | Sustained price rises, with major economic and media impact. |
| Mexico | 2021 | “Vacuna” | COVID-19 vaccination campaigns, social and political debate. |
| Argentina | 2023 | “Niñez” | Focus on children’s rights and inequality. |
| Colombia | 2022 | “Resiliencia” | Adaptation after the national strike and post-pandemic recovery. |
| Chile | 2020 | “Plebiscito” | Constitutional referendum and democratic renewal. |
| Peru | 2024 | “Polarización” | Tense political climate and social fragmentation. |
| Uruguay | 2023 | “Sustentabilidad” | Progress on green policies and environmental awareness. |
These choices show not only local realities but also global trends reshaped in specific national contexts. While “vacuna” was a common word in many languages in 2021, for example, its emotional and political charge varied markedly from country to country.
Cultural impact: when a word goes beyond its use
The words chosen do not only capture events; they shape how people interpret them. In Argentina, for instance, the choice of “niñez” reflects growing concern about childhood and how it is represented in the media and in public policy. The word does more than describe an age group: it brings with it debates about poverty, education and rights.
In Chile, the constant use of the term “plebiscito” was not merely descriptive of an electoral event: it became a symbol of social change, resistance and collective expectation. In the same way, words such as “resiliencia” in Colombia take on a hopeful tone that helps rebuild the social fabric after times of crisis.
These choices also have an educational dimension. By making certain words visible, they encourage linguistic and cultural reflection, critical analysis of language and of its role in shaping narratives.
An invitation to a linguistic and civic game
Beyond the academic or media angle, the words of the year can become an educational and participatory resource. Some ideas for getting involved:
- In the classroom: analyse the words of the year in different countries as a starting point for reflecting on current affairs, cultural diversity and language.
- On social media: run polls or campaigns inviting people to propose their own word of the year.
- On a personal level: keep a diary of meaningful words each month and choose the one that defined your own year.
The phenomenon can also inspire writers, journalists and content creators, connecting language and society in an exercise of continuous observation.
One word, a thousand realities
Each word of the year is a key that opens doors onto the longings, fears and priorities of a society at a particular historical moment. They are not merely popular terms but cultural constructs that encapsulate profound change. So “inflación” in Spain, “plebiscito” in Chile or “polarización” in Peru are not simple lexical records, but linguistic X-rays of the collective mood.
In a Spanish-speaking world as diverse as it is interconnected, comparing the words of the year lets us identify points of convergence, such as environmental concern or the health crisis, and of divergence, such as differing political or cultural emphases. And, most importantly, it reminds us that language does not only describe the world: it also builds it.
So what will your word of the year be? Choosing it, thinking it through and sharing it can be an act of cultural awareness and self-expression. Because at heart every word holds a story, and every story deserves to be told.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
It depends on the country and the approach. In Spain, for example, FundéuRAE selects the word of the year on the basis of its linguistic relevance and media topicality. In Latin America the decision usually rests with media outlets, universities, linguists or even popular votes. There is no single central authority, which gives rise to a rich variety of approaches.
Because it distils the events, emotions and tensions of a given year. Choosing a word helps to make social phenomena visible and to reflect on language, which is never neutral: it conveys values, ideologies and cultural change.
Not necessarily. Some are already recorded in the Diccionario de la lengua española (DLE), while others are neologisms or terms not yet officially accepted. Their selection does, however, contribute to their social legitimacy and may speed up their future inclusion.
Yes. Although they all speak Spanish, each country lives a different reality. So while in one country the word of the year may relate to a political phenomenon, in another it may point to an environmental or health issue. This diversity enriches the pan-Hispanic perspective on the language.
Some organisations open participatory processes through online polls or social media. You can also propose your word in forums, blogs or language communities. Even on a personal or educational level, it is an excellent exercise in critical reflection on the year gone by.