'Fake news' is Word of the Year 2017 by Collins English Dictionary

Following the news nowadays is easier than ever. News of changes in the global political landscape, armed conflicts in Syria, awaited celebrity and royal weddings or online promotions on constant gaming constantly flow through so many channels that it becomes a tenuous task to keep up.

These channels, however, are often plagued by "false, often sensational, information disseminated under the guise of news reporting." This is the definition of "fake news" that you'll find in the Collins English Dictionary.

Why is this important? Because the use of the term "fake news" has skyrocketed in 2017, prompting the dictionary to choose it as Word of the Year in 2017.

Fake news for the win

One of the most prominent users of the term "fake news" is none other than the President of the United States, Donald Trump. Over the last year, Trump has referred various reports as "fake news," from the Russia Dossier to news of US health care struggles. The president even called out the media for reporting his argument with Australian PM Malcolm Turnbull.

The main reason why Collins English Dictionary chose "fake news" as its Word of the Year 2017 is its degree of usage. According to the publication, it has witnessed an increase of 365% since 2016.

Shortlisted terms

There were, of course, many new terms picked up by both the media and the people in the year that passed. Some of these words are political in nature, while others are related to personal life and business. The term "unicorn," for example, has seen a significant jump. So did "gig economy," "echo chamber" and many others. Here is the full list of terms that made it to the Collins' short list in 2017:

Unicorn - Not Scotland's national animal but the "recently launched business enterprise that is valued at more than one billion dollars"

Gender-fluid - Not identifying exclusively with one gender rather than another

Insta - Related to the photo-sharing app Instagram

Gig economy - An economy in which there are a few permanent employees and most jobs are assigned to temporary or freelance workers

Fidget spinner - A small toy designed to be spun by the fingers as a means of improving concentration or relieving stress

Echo chamber - An environment, especially on a social media site, in which any statement of opinion is likely to be greeted with approval because it will only be read or heard by people who hold similar views

Cuffing season - The period of autumn and winter when single people are considered likely to seek settled relationships rather than engage in casual affairs

Corbynmania - Fervent enthusiasm for Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the UK Labour Party

Antifa - (1) an antifascist organization, (2) a member of an antifascist organization, an adjective: (3) involving, belonging to, or relating to an antifascist organization