The Wibble Exclusive: "Enshittification" Takes the Crown as 2024 Word of the Year

In a move that has left linguists and word enthusiasts alike reeling, the Oxford Dictionary has announced that "enshittification" has been declared the 2024 Word of the Year. This unexpected choice has sparked a flurry of debate and discussion, with many wondering how a term that was previously relegated to the fringes of internet slang has managed to rise to the top of the linguistic hierarchy.

For the uninitiated, "enshittification" refers to the process by which something, typically a product or service, is deliberately made worse or more frustrating to use, often in the pursuit of profit or control. This can manifest in a variety of ways, from the gradual degradation of user experience to the introduction of draconian restrictions or fees.

![A graph showing the rise of "enshittification" in online usage](/image/f15f3630-57c4-4baa-9331-166349a427d6 "A graph showing the rise of "enshittification" in online usage")

The term's origins can be traced back to the early days of online forums and social media, where it was used to describe the ways in which companies would subtly alter their offerings to extract more value from their customers. However, it wasn't until the rise of the "shitification economy" – a term coined to describe the proliferation of deliberately subpar products and services – that "enshittification" began to gain mainstream traction.

![A company executive sitting at a desk with a "greed" expression](/image/c938c639-df85-475e-ba9b-1a71ab6f561c "A company executive sitting at a desk with a "greed" expression")

So, what does this say about our society? In an era where the pursuit of profit and power often seems to take precedence over the well-being of the individual, the ascendance of "enshittification" to the top of the linguistic heap can be seen as a reflection of our collective frustration and disillusionment.

"It's a word that speaks to the sense of powerlessness and disillusionment that many people feel in the face of corporate greed and bureaucratic inertia," said Dr. Sophia Patel, a linguist at the University of New Haven. "By acknowledging 'enshittification' as the Word of the Year, the Oxford Dictionary is shining a light on the darker aspects of our society and encouraging us to think critically about the forces that shape our lives."

Of course, not everyone is thrilled with the choice. Some have argued that the term is too niche, too obscure, or too tied to internet culture to be worthy of such recognition. Others have pointed out that the Word of the Year should be a reflection of the most positive and uplifting aspects of our language, rather than a celebration of our collective frustration and disillusionment.

But for those who have been paying attention, the rise of "enshittification" is a harbinger of something more profound. It's a reminder that language is a reflection of our society, and that the words we use can shape our perceptions and attitudes in profound ways.

As we move forward into a future that is increasingly shaped by the forces of technology and capitalism, the recognition of "enshittification" as the 2024 Word of the Year serves as a timely reminder of the importance of staying vigilant, of questioning the status quo, and of fighting for a world that is more just, more equitable, and more humane.

In the words of the great linguist and philosopher, Noam Chomsky, "Language is not just a reflection of reality, but a tool for shaping it." As we look to the future, it's clear that the word "enshittification" will play a significant role in shaping our understanding of the world and our place within it.