“Polarisatie” (polarisation) Selected as the Netherlands' Word of the Year for 2024
The Dutch term “polarisatie” (polarisation) has been declared the Netherlands' Word of the Year for 2024 by the Dikke van Dale dictionary. The decision follows intense public debate and controversy surrounding the nomination process.
Annual Tradition by Van Dale Dictionary Since 2007, the Dikke van Dale dictionary has organized an annual vote to determine the Dutch Word of the Year. Citizens submit suggestions, and a shortlist of 10 words is compiled for public voting. However, this year's process took an unexpected turn due to strong reactions from various groups, leading to the early closure of voting.
In a statement, Van Dale explained that the process had been “hijacked” by campaigns encouraging people to either vote for or against specific words. The heated discussions undermined the intended purpose of the event, prompting the dictionary to take matters into its own hands and select “polarisatie” as the defining word of 2024. Last year's winner was “graaiflatie” (greedflation).
Controversy Over Nominations Several words included in the nominations faced criticism. “Pieperaanval” (pager attack), referring to coordinated Israeli strikes on Hezbollah, drew negative reactions. Additionally, “transitiespijt” (transition regret) sparked anger from LGBTQIA+ groups, who argued it stigmatizes transgender individuals by implying widespread regret over gender-affirming surgeries—a claim that lacks evidence.
Critics also accused Van Dale of focusing on uncommon or compound words instead of introducing entirely new terms.
Nominated Words in 2024 Other words that made the shortlist included:
AI-washing – Misleading marketing exaggerating the role of AI in products or services.
Beknibbelflatie (cutback inflation) – Inflation caused by producers substituting expensive ingredients with cheaper ones to boost profits.
Burn-outbureaucratie (burn-out bureaucracy) – Overburdened municipalities leading to stress among employees and citizens.
Comfortwater (comfort water) – Excessive water usage for non-essential purposes, such as pools and lawn maintenance.
Gen Z-stagiair (Gen Z intern) – Young interns expected to bring fresh ideas and unconventional language to workplaces.
Koeltekloof (cooling gap) – Socioeconomic disparities in the ability to cool homes during heatwaves.
Profnar (professional jester) – Hired individuals tasked with identifying and resolving workplace problems.
Sjoemelscooter (cheat scooter) – A term associated with modified e-bikes or scooters.
Reflections on Social Climate The selection of “polarisatie” highlights the societal divisions and debates that have shaped 2024. It mirrors broader discussions about identity, equality, and social tensions in the Netherlands.