“Nepo Baby” Officially Enters the Dictionary: A Closer Look at New Lexical Additions for Fall 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of language, words and phrases often emerge from the depths of popular culture to find a place in our dictionaries. One such term that has sparked both debate and fascination is “Nepo Baby.” This controversial moniker, referring to a successful celebrity with at least one famous parent, has officially earned its place in the linguistic realm, as it joins the latest additions to Dictionary.com for the fall of 2023.

Officially defined as “a celebrity with a parent who is also famous, especially one whose industry connections are perceived as essential to their success,” the term gained notoriety following a New York cover story last December. Since then, it has spurred discussions within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Actress Maya Hawke, daughter of renowned actor Ethan Hawke, recently shared her experiences with the term while promoting her new movie, “Wildcat.” She expressed moments of insecurity regarding the label but emphasized the value of the lessons she has learned from her father. In an era where the internet often lacks nuances, her perspective sheds light on the complexity of the “Nepo Baby” discussion.

Lily-Rose Depp, another figure navigating the spotlight with famous parents, has raised questions about the label’s potential sexism. She observed that the term is more frequently applied to women, raising concerns about gender bias in its usage.

Meanwhile, Jamie Lee Curtis, who humorously self-identifies as an “OG Nepo Baby,” has offered a multifaceted view. She acknowledged that the current conversation surrounding “Nepo Babies” can be used to belittle and denigrate individuals but also chose to embrace the term at a later point.

“Nepo Baby” is just one of the 500 new entries that have made their way into Dictionary.com’s lexicon for the fall of 2023. Among these additions are terms rooted in technology, including “generative AI,” “chatbot,” and “algo.” These words reflect the ever-evolving landscape of digital innovation.

Health and wellness have made their mark with terms like “biohacking,” which explores strategic biological experimentation, and “intermittent fasting,” a practice that might sound grueling but has gained popularity for its potential benefits.

In the realm of unusual additions, “shower orange” stands out—a term describing the act of peeling and eating an orange in a steamy shower, believed to enhance the fruit’s fragrance for a more soothing shower experience.

Other noteworthy additions include “blursday,” characterizing days that blend together, “pessimize,” the opposite of optimization, “sonder,” the realization that every individual has a rich, central life narrative, and “agelast,” a person who never laughs, a description that some have humorously applied to former President Donald Trump.

In a world where language continually evolves, these new dictionary entries serve as a testament to the dynamic nature of communication. Whether you find yourself immersed in the world of “Nepo Babies” or seeking clarity in a sea of new terminology, language remains a fascinating reflection of our ever-changing society. So, here’s to a more enlightened “blursday” and a language that continues to surprise and amaze us. And if all else fails, perhaps a refreshing “shower orange” is just what you need!