Dictionary.com has announced that “modest” will be the word of the year for 2024. The term has become popular on social media in recent months after TikToker Joes LeBron used the phrase “very modest, very thoughtful” in a viral video.
The site’s lexicographers analyzed tons of data to choose the 2024 Word of the Year, including newsworthy headlines, social media trends, and search engine results. The site says the word “modest” has seen a “sharp increase in usage” this year, with usage of the word increasing by nearly 1,200% in digital web media alone from January to the end of August.
What does “modest” mean?
According to Dictionary.com, “The word modest has traditionally been used to describe someone who is reserved, quiet, and humble, but new usage has spread through social media. Sophistication can be used in a variety of contexts. Used to describe a sophisticated and sophisticated appearance or behavior, such as at work or on an airplane, as more and more employees return to the office from hybrid remote work after the pandemic. has become increasingly important.”
The TikTok video that spread the word showed LeBron, 31, who identifies as transgender, sitting in a car with makeup on. The caption reads, “How to be discreet at work.” LeBron goes on to share her tips.
“You see how I wear makeup for work? It’s very subtle, very thoughtful,” LeBron says. “I don’t come to work with a green gash. When I go to work, I don’t look like a clown. I don’t overdo it and I’m very careful when I’m at work.”
“You see how good I look? The way I came to the interview is the way I’m going to go to work. A lot of girls go to interviews dressed like my Marge Simpson, Patty I go to work dressed like or Selma, but not modestly,” the TikToker added. “I’m very humble. I’m very careful.”
The clip quickly went viral and was reshared by many TikTokers, with other videos featuring LeBron’s voiceover saying the phrase “very modest.” The video has since garnered 5 million likes on the platform.
Meanwhile, Dictionary.com’s shortlist for 2024 Word of the Year includes “brain rot,” “brat,” “weird,” “Midwestern goodness,” and “extreme weather.” ” Several other words made it into the rankings.
