Trying to keep up with the terminology of the times is a never-ending exercise. New words or phrases seemingly appear out of nowhere in our English language. Not sure how all of these new additions translate beyond our borders. Sometimes these new words and phrases arrive from elsewhere.

Consider what grade school and high school teachers must face. Or college professors wishing to remain “hip” to the culture. Compiling a guide for Gen Z, Y, or Alpha student-speak would include terms like “bro/bruh,” “rizz,” “skibidi,” “gyatt,” and “sigma,” “delulu,” “lit,” and “yeet.” (I don’t do definitions.) Not even sure these words have made it to the dictionary yet.

I submit we should consider another list. It is a batch of business related buzzwords, albeit a bit more sophisticated. Here are but a few examples.

For the environmentally concerned, be prepared tp learn more about ecosystem collapse and climate displacement. Consider building upon a One Health approach for possible solutions. All part of the new lingo.

From a recent NPR article, I learned that an independent mental health advocate In Kenya, believes that belonging will be a global buzzword this year.  Sitawa Wafula launched and ran a support line that connected thousands of folks in its first year. She says, ”For those facing stigma and alienation, belonging acted as a protective factor.” Her solution? Seek further support. Like maybe…friends??

Another new work related term coming into vogue in recent years is techquity. This is used to describe a blend of equity and technology that would bring health services and innovations to everyone—particularly those with limited resources. This word might be a new Scrabble option!

We next graduate to enchantment! Edgard Gouveia Jr. of Brazil finds storytelling to be a most compelling skill to be developed in our future. He opines,

“In the moments of darkness, war, and climate change, I think society [is] gonna need people that are able to see the hard reality with different, positive eyes.” In his enterprise known as Livelab he uses games and narratives to establish “trust and empathy.” 

One buzzword gaining more traction was recently written up in the New York Times and Newsweek: clanker. Wait. Is this a new word? Back in my day, “clanker” was used to make fun of an old and usually dilapidated vehicle. Or maybe I’m thinking of a “clunker.”

Then in 2005, clanker took on new life when it was used in a 2005 Star Wars film by clone troopers. Again, it was a derogatory term for the noisy, metallic “clanking” sound that droids often made. C’mon guys, where was the WD-40?

The latest application of clanker comes at the expense of Artificial Intelligence. Actually, claims the Times, the word is used as an anti-AI rallying cry! It’s “become a go-to slur against AI on social media, led by Gen Z and Gen Alpha posters.” People are even holding “real-life rallies against the technology in San Francisco and London.” We humans know how to fight back! Protest!!

You want real buzz? How about this. Go back about 2,000 years to a gathering in Jerusalem. A group of uneducated men—followers of the recently risen Jesus of Nazareth—began speaking in languages they’d never been taught! People were amazed!

The Bible tells it this way:

“Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, ‘Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?’” (Acts 2:5-8, ESV)

Some accused the men of being drunk with wine! The apostle Peter set the record straight. As prophesied in the Old Testament book of Joel, this was the doing of the Holy Spirit.

This foundational day of the Church brought faith to life for thousands! Even before this event, the person of Jesus had created an enormous “buzz” throughout the region. The name of Jesus was everywhere!

Are His followers generating a “holy buzz” still today? If not, why not? The Holy Spirit stands ready to change lives!