Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

The soaring popularity of Australia’s women’s soccer team has prompted the Australian National University (ANU) to dub ‘Matilda’ as its 2023 word of the year.

Australians were transfixed by the Matildas’ semi-final run in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in August as well as their recent qualifiers for next year’s Paris Olympic Games, prompting experts from ANU’s Australian National Dictionary Centre to pick the team name.

That includes the singular (Matilda), plural (Matildas), and shorter nickname form (Tillies).

‘From the 1880s matilda was one of the names for a swag, a bag of possessions carried by an itinerant man looking for work. These days most people would only know this in relation to the song Waltzing Matilda,’ Dr Laugesen said.

The Australian National University (ANU) has dubbed 'Matilda' as its 2023 word of the year

The Australian National University (ANU) has dubbed 'Matilda' as its 2023 word of the year

The Australian National University (ANU) has dubbed ‘Matilda’ as its 2023 word of the year

A quick look at a good dictionary will reveal that in the 1880s 'matilda' was one of the names for a swag - a bag of possessions carried by an itinerant man looking for work

A quick look at a good dictionary will reveal that in the 1880s 'matilda' was one of the names for a swag - a bag of possessions carried by an itinerant man looking for work

A quick look at a good dictionary will reveal that in the 1880s ‘matilda’ was one of the names for a swag – a bag of possessions carried by an itinerant man looking for work

‘It’s only since the mid-1990s that the women’s soccer team has been called the Matildas, but after this year’s World Cup the word has once again cemented itself in the Australian lexicon.’

She said although the exact origins of the term matilda in Australian English were unclear, it ultimately came from the female name.

‘The original German name refers to strength in battle, so it’s an appropriate name for a team that has inspired so many people this year, particularly young women and girls,’ Dr Laugesen said.

The shortlist for word of the year was dominated by terms relating to October’s Indigenous Voice to Parliament referendum.

‘Noer’ and ‘yesser’ were both considered (someone who voted no and yes, respectively), as was ‘truth-telling’: acknowledging and recognising the historical and ongoing mistreatment and injustices affecting Indigenous peoples in Australia.

This year's World Cup has once again cemented Matilda in the Australian lexicon after the incredible run enjoyed by Sam Kerr and the team

This year's World Cup has once again cemented Matilda in the Australian lexicon after the incredible run enjoyed by Sam Kerr and the team

This year’s World Cup has once again cemented Matilda in the Australian lexicon after the incredible run enjoyed by Sam Kerr and the team

‘Hallucinate’, used in the context of the rampant growth of artificial intelligence technology, defined as ‘to generate false or inaccurate information and present it as fact’, rounded out the list,

‘Voice’ was ANU’s word of the year in 2019.

The Australian National Dictionary Centre researches Australian English in partnership with Oxford University Press Australia and New Zealand and edits Oxford’s Australian dictionaries.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Accuser Left Without Legal Representation at Initial $50M Lawsuit Hearing

The initial hearing for Shannon Sharpe’s sexual assault lawsuit in Nevada faced…

Why Arsenal is Investing £70m in Victor Gyokeres: Sporting Lisbon’s Rising Star and Brighton’s Greatest Regret

When Swansea signed a forward on loan in October 2020, it did…

Retired Footballer Completes 37-Hour Fitness Challenge to Honor Late Teammate Joe Thompson, Dies at 36

As the self-doubt started to bleed into Simon Ramsden’s thoughts, his legs…

Joao Pedro Geared Up for Clash: Chelsea Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Semi-Final with Iconic Boxing Announcer in Attendance

It is believed FIFA have hired Michael Buffer — the legendary ring…

Newcastle’s Latest Third Kit Honors a Classic Club Appearance

Newcastle United and adidas have revealed the club’s 2025/26 season third kit…

Transfer Update: Bhoys Profit from Kuhn’s Departure as Winger Prepares for Como Transfer

CELTIC winger Nicolas Kuhn is on the brink of confirming his Parkhead…

AC Milan Unveils Striking 2025/26 Away Kit Featuring Classic Devil Logo

AC Milan has officially revealed their away kit for the 2025/26 season,…

Yoane Wissa aims to exit Brentford in a historic move to another Premier League team

Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford this summer, talkSPORT understands. The…

Rio Ferdinand’s 18-year-old son enters Premier League’s ‘nepo-baby’ ranks by inking first pro deal with top-performing team

Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz has become the latest in the expanding lineup…

England U-21s triumphantly celebrate their European Championship victory

England’s Under-21 team celebrated in grand fashion after successfully defending their European…