Ever since social distancing measures were announced in March, we have all been self-isolating and working from home. We’ve also learnt a slew of new vocabularies inspired by the pandemic.
Covidiot
A person who ignores all warnings about public health or safety.
Example: She went to Bondi last weekend for a swim and had to be sent home by authorities, what a covidiot!
Quarantini
That much-appreciated drink at the end of a long day of working from home.
Example: It’s 6 PM and I’m officially off the clock – time to whip up my vodka quarantini.
Quaranteam
The people with whom you are riding out the lockdown, both in-person or online.
Example: I really look forward to my nightly video chats with my quaranteam.
The Rona
An abbreviation of the word ‘coronavirus’, this word is sometimes personified as a person.
Example: He doesn’t look too well today – do you think he’s been visited by the Rona?
Pandumbic
A group of people who don’t believe that the coronavirus is real and proceed to continue their daily routine now have a new vocabulary.
Example: Were you invited to that party this weekend? I can’t believe it’s happening, what a pandumbic!
Coronnial
Babies conceived during the COVID-19 lockdown. They’re expected to be called ‘quaranteens’ upon hitting puberty.
Example: She’s expecting a baby in September – that little guy’s got to be a coronnial.
Coronavillain
High-profile individuals or celebrities who are humbly bragging about self-isolation in their mansions, yachts, or private jets.
Example: Did you see his Instagram post comparing life in his mansion to jail? What a coronavillain!
Sanny
An abbreviation of the word ‘sanitizer’ which has become a very popular item to purchase in the few months.
Example: I went to my local Woolies and they were out of sanny… again.
Pandamic
The phenomenon of snacking and exercising poorly during the lockdown, resulting in everyone resembling panda bears.
Example: I thought that I was watching my diet, turns out that I gave into the pandamic.
READ ALSO: Life after the coronavirus
