selfie

noun

self·​ie ˈsel-fē 

: an image that includes oneself (often with another person or as part of a group) and is taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks

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What is the origin of selfie?

The first-known appearance of selfie in written form occurred in 2002 on an Australian news website, but the word didn't see much use until 2012. By November 2013, selfie was appearing frequently enough in print and electronic media that Oxford Dictionaries (publisher of the Oxford English Dictionary as well as other dictionaries) chose the word as its Word of the Year. This announcement itself led to a significant increase in the use of the word by news organizations, an increase that was further boosted following the December 2013 memorial service for Nelson Mandela, at which American President Barack Obama was caught taking a selfie with Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt and British Prime Minister David Cameron. The word selfie, with its suggestions of self-centeredness and self-involvement, was particularly popular with critics who saw this moment as a reflection of the President's character.

Examples of selfie in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If that wasn’t dramatic enough on its own, Maxwell then appeared to unzip the first look and reveal a corseted black dress beneath with opera gloves added on, stopping for a few impromptu selfies. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 6 May 2024

The close-up selfie also revealed some other details about their looks, like how the business owner rocked a tiny necklace with diamond accents, and how Patrick's sunglasses were Oakley branded. —Brenton Blanchet, Peoplemag, 5 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

selfie

noun

self·​ie

ˈsel-fē

plural selfies

: an image of oneself taken by oneself using a digital camera especially for posting on social networks