The Witherly Heights Yearender: The Word of the Year, circa 2018

Which word or phrase came into style this year?  Here are some of the terms that were at the tip of our tongues.

Unity. Although this year seemed to be defined more by a lack of unity, especially from prominent individuals in power, we have also seen ordinary people in ordinary communities come together in times of crisis, from fires to hurricanes to school shootings. I think it is important to remind ourselves of how fortunate we are and to reach out to those who are not as fortunate, be it in our own neighborhoods or across the world.

–Anika Varma

Class of 2017

The #MeToo movement defines 2018 fairly well. The movement is affecting many aspects of our society from business, entertainment, dating, etc.

–Joey Morrison

Weird flex but ok.

–Jessica Anthony

Indifference.

–Lauren Chang

Sad.

–Isa Eugenio

Youth. From Parkland to the highest turnout among young adults in the midterms to young people excelling at the Olympics, young people really showed up this year and illustrated what the power of the youth can do.

–Ananya Hindocha

Tik-Tok.

–Ram Charan

Oof. As I have been slowly failing at life this year, the only word I could use describe it is “oof.”

–Diana Barbacioru

Collusion.  Not as the misnomer #45 bandies about in his tweets about his presumably conspiratorial and criminal transactions with the Russians.  But in the word’s true sense: coming together to pursue harm. #45 is not acting alone. Those who voted for him aren’t the real culprits.  Those who–now–allow him to rough up our constitution, institutions, sense of civility and morality are the ones to blame. Collusion isn’t about justice.  It’s about decency.

–Paul Go