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New Zealand’s Nigel Richards competes in a category of the Francophone Scrabble World Championships in Louvain-La-Neuve in 2015.

This year’s Spanish Scrabble champion? A New Zealander who can’t even speak the language

Nigel Richards lost only one of his 24 games and beat 147 competitors from around the world to claim the prize. The runner-up said his victory was a “humiliation”.

  • Kyle Melnick

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Opposition Leader John Pesutto speaks to the media after the judgment.

Note to Pesutto: Don’t mention the war

Two famously wry aphorisms warn against comparisons with Hitler or the Nazis in public arguments. Perhaps John Pesutto should have taken note.

  • Tony Wright

‘Peak popularity’: Why names go in and out of vogue

One of the earliest names ever recorded was Enpap-x. But Alexander and Freya are ancient too. Some names catch on, others fade from glory. Why? And what are the rules on trading in your name for a new one?

  • Angus Holland and Angus Delaney
Over 700 new words have been added to the Oxford Dictionary this year so far. Yes, including enshittification.

Is our language going down the toilet? My word!

The word of the year, dare I say it, is a symptom of our enshittified vocabulary.

  • Cherie Gilmour
While Cozzie Livs came out on top in 2023, this year’s Word of the Year is more of a headscratcher.

Sign of decline? Macquarie names its word of the year

Macquarie Dictionary’s choice just about sums up how we’re all feeling. 

  • Thomas Mitchell
Brecon Beacons National Park.

Rebranding the green, green grass of Wales

In a burst of national pride, Wales is slowly purging the names the English bestowed upon many of its natural beauties. But not everyone is happy.

  • Rob Harris

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/topic/language-6h8q