You’ve heard of ghosting. And pocketing. Of winter coating. Of vabbing, and roaching. Now here’s a new word for your single life vernacular: goblin-timacy.

Say what now?

Via Glamour:

Goblin Mode was named Oxford English Dictionary’s ‘Word of the Year’ for 2022 – as voted by 93% the public (340,000 Brits participated in the vote). According to the OED, it’s defined as: “a type of behaviour which is unapologetically self-indulgent, lazy, slovenly, or greedy, typically in a way that rejects social norms or expectations”. 

So how does this come into your love life? Well, it turns out the goblin-timacy trend heralds a fresh leaning towards authenticity in dating – rather than transforming the way you look or act for a first date, for instance. The trend was forecast by dating app Badoo, after research findings that over three quarters (76%) of singles reported they felt more comfortable dating on their own terms outside of societal expectation. 

What’s more, four in five (82%) said they considered it a greater priority to show their ‘true selves’ on dates, rather than put on an act to impress a prospective partner. Enter: the version of you that wouldn’t, before now, have turned up on a date – because of preconceptions.

Now, while we’ll ALWAYS recommend putting on something clean, brushing your teeth, showering and TRYING on a date, we do agree that being your self is key. And if being yourself means being “self-indulgent and lazy,” then hey – I guess you do you…. though we can’t say you’re gonna get laid!