Strong independent women have beaten teens, conspiracy theorists and food rip offs to claim 2022's top verbal gong.
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"Teal" has been named as the 2022 word of the year, but not with its traditional meaning.
The definition of the bluish-green hue has instead been replaced with a political tinge.
The National Dictionary Centre named the word of the year after a strong showing of independent candidates at the federal election who unofficially adopted the colour.
The shortlist included "cooker", a derogatory term for a conspiracy theorist; "eshay", someone who engages in anti-social behaviour; "quiet quitting", when an employee doesn't work beyond their role; and "shrinkflation", when products reduce in size but not price.
"Teal is a word that has become associated with a new and significant movement in Australian politics," the centre's senior researcher Mark Gwynn said.
"The colour came to represent a movement of independent and strong female voices taking on the establishment."
Teal candidates who overthrew sitting government members include Zoe Daniel, Allegra Spender, Kylea Tink, Sophie Scamps, Kate Chaney and Monique Ryan.
The teal brand also includes Zali Steggall who overthrew former prime minister Tony Abbott in 2019.
Australian Associated Press
