While doing some routine computer updates on one of our copywriters’ computers, I started thinking about how they manage to keep up with all the latest words or phrases. After a little digging, I was surprised to discover that my world is increasingly encroaching onto theirs.

At the end of 2011, dictionary manufacturers began their annual search for the word or phrase that best characterised the year.

‘SODCASTING’ was one of the words shortlisted (“ Somebody listening to music through the speaker of a mobile phone in a public place” if you’re wondering), as was ‘HACKTIVISM’ (“The action or practice of gaining unauthorised access to computer files or networks in order to further social or political ends”).

In case you’re wondering, ‘SQUEEZED MIDDLE’ came out on top.

Now more than ever, the world of I.T. is playing a huge role in shaping people’s lives, but perhaps surprisingly, it’s starting to shape the dictionary.

This blog post was written by IT manager and guru Mark Reid.