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Word of the year 2008: Hypermiling

By Trystan L. Bass

Posted Mon Dec 1, 2008 10:56am PST

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With record-breaking gas prices this summer, it makes sense that the New Oxford American Dictionary's 2008 word of the year has something to do with saving gas. Serious environmentalists have heard this word before, and careful drivers may know the meaning even if they don't know the term.

"Hypermiling" is the Oxford Word of the Year. Interesting that this eco-concept follows up on last year's choice by the venerable dictionary -- "locavore," the practice of eating food sourced within 100 or so miles. Green ideas are definitely becoming part of everyday lingo.

This year's word was coined in 2004 by super gas-saver Wayne Gerdes. We wrote about him previously and profiled his popular website, CleanMPG. Gerdes advocates practical tips like driving the speed limit, gently accelerating and braking, avoiding idling, and removing cargo racks. These are all things that experts have backed up with stats time and again to prove that you'll save gas and won't waste time.

Even though gas prices have dropped at the end of the year, we know that oil is not a renewable resource. Prices will continue to fluctuate, so conscientious driving will continue to be a good idea for our wallets and the planet.

"Hypermiling" is here to stay.

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Posted by sug Sat Jan 3, 2009 6:11am PST
Shouldn't the word of the year be something that more than 30 people have heard of? I suspect the group is sitting around in the Oxford office drinking too much tea and should get out a bit. I do like the meaning though!
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Posted by Spacecase Sat Jan 3, 2009 7:42am PST
The meaning compared to the apparent significance leave A LOT to be desired.I would have thought it meant something concerning extended mileage on a car or something like that.I agree with 'smoke' that it means nothing to the general public,as well.
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Posted by D Sat Jan 3, 2009 9:57am PST
As for it not meaning much to the general public then the word has finally reached you too, I kept hearing about it last year and I finally decided to investigate it's validity. That was in August (remember gas prices of $4.20) well within a week I was extending my mileage per gallon enough to save over $1.00 per gallon. Now with better skills of hypermiling I have cut my monthly gas usage by nearly 25%. I don't fear the eminent rise in prices as much. I don't get as upset when traffic is slow. And by going to www.cleanmpg.com I've learned a lot about environmental, political, financial and technology issues that effect all of us. I care what I do to the environment and if I can produce 25% less pollution then I'm doing more than I was before. - Dale
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Posted by rdprice64 Sat Jan 3, 2009 1:01pm PST
If you look back at past Oxford words of the year, they are normally words that are quickly becoming common words. Google it and see just how many hits you get. There are many thousands across the globe who know what it is and are practicing it. Not really many compared to the billions on earth, but it does seem to be growing. I mentioned it the other day in a meeting at work and half of the old folks already knew what it was and the rest were curious. So it seems to be catching on.
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Posted by chapman.thom Thu Jan 15, 2009 12:22pm PST
I suggest the word be changed to hymiling so that we can use 27% less letters, bytes, ink and paper.
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