Retro 2023: The words that marked the year
The year 2023 was full of significant events, and certain words particularly resonated in the news. A look back at ten terms that stood out this year.
1. Prompt: This word of English origin has become essential with the advent of artificial intelligence. It refers to an instruction given to an AI algorithm so that it generates text content or images. Conversational AIs are increasingly present, notably ChatGPT, which receives nearly 1.5 billion prompts per day. Internet users quickly adapted to this new technology.
2. Chicoter: This term appeared in the language of RC Lens players, expressing pride in beating the opponent. Initially used during the 2019-2020 season, it has become a victory song for the Lens team. The expression could find its origin in DR Congo, where the word “chicote” means “whip”, thus evoking the determination and combativeness of the players.
3. 49.3: This article of the Constitution was widely used by the French government in 2023. It allows the executive to adopt a bill without a vote from the National Assembly. Élisabeth Borne, current Prime Minister, has used this process twelve times, sparking debate and criticism regarding its frequent use.
4. Wagner: This Russian paramilitary group has been talked about this year, whether on the Ukrainian front or in several African countries. Led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner even led a rebellion against the Russian government, before Prigozhin died in a plane crash. The group’s activities now seem to be taken over by Vladimir Putin.
5. Rafah: This is the main border crossing connecting the Gaza Strip to Egypt. Following the Hamas attack in October 2023, restrictions imposed on commercial traffic and the movement of people led to a drastic reduction in humanitarian aid to Gaza. The humanitarian consequences are alarming, with a significant decrease in the entry of trucks carrying essential products.
6. Fossil: The term “fossil” has taken on a particular resonance in 2023, evoking both the remains of the past discovered by paleontologists, but also fossil energy and its consequences on the environment. The question of energy transition has emerged as a major issue, with debates and actions to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels.
7. Pandemic: This word has become essential in recent years with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023, despite the progress made in the fight against the virus, the pandemic continued to mark the news, with the appearance of new variants and health measures still present.
8. Inflation: This year, inflation has been a hot topic, both domestically and internationally. Price increases, particularly in the energy and raw materials sector, have raised concerns about economic stability. Governments and central banks have had to take measures to mitigate the effects of this inflation.
9. Ecological transition: The question of the environment has occupied a central place in the news of 2023. The ecological transition has become a major issue, with actions in favor of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the development of renewable energies and protection of biodiversity.
10. Cyberattack: Cyberattacks have been increasingly frequent and sophisticated in 2023. Both public and private sectors have been affected, and the consequences have been significant, whether in terms of financial losses or privacy violations. The issue of cybersecurity has become a major challenge for businesses and governments.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was marked by a diversity of current topics, reflecting the challenges of our society. Words such as “prompt”, “chicoter”, “49.3” or even “ecological transition” have illustrated the debates and concerns of the past year.