The year 2020 unfolded like a surreal tapestry, woven with threads of uncertainty, fear, and resilience. It was a time when the world seemed to spin off its axis—an experience that many described as 'crazy.' As we navigated through lockdowns, social distancing, and an ever-evolving pandemic landscape, our collective vocabulary shifted dramatically. Phrases like 'social distancing' and 'quarantine' became part of everyday conversations.
Oxford Languages even declared it ‘a year without a word,’ highlighting how difficult it was to encapsulate such chaos in just one term. Some suggested descriptors included ‘strange,’ ‘lost,’ or simply ‘crazy.’ The sheer volume of new terms related to COVID-19 flooded our lexicon at lightning speed; words that once belonged solely in scientific discussions found their way into casual chats.
In March alone, the term 'coronavirus' skyrocketed in usage across English-speaking countries—it went from being a niche scientific reference to perhaps the most talked-about noun globally. This transformation reflected not only linguistic evolution but also societal upheaval. People were forced into isolation while grappling with anxiety about health and economic stability.
But amidst this turmoil emerged stories of incredible human spirit—neighbors helping neighbors, communities rallying together for mutual support via virtual platforms. We witnessed acts of kindness that reminded us what truly matters: connection over convenience.
While 2020 may have felt overwhelmingly chaotic at times—with wildfires raging on one side of the globe while protests for justice erupted on another—it also served as a stark reminder that humanity is capable of extraordinary resilience. We learned new ways to connect digitally; families celebrated milestones through screens instead of gatherings, redefining what closeness means in an age dominated by distance.
Reflecting back now, it's clear why so many deemed 2020 crazy—not just because events spiraled out-of-control but because they revealed both fragility and strength within us all.