Language of the Day: New Year's Vocabulary

The start of a new year is an exciting time when many of us are setting new goals. Let’s take a look at some useful vocabulary to help you discuss the new year in English!

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new year’s resolution: a goal we set for a new year, often trying to live a healthier happier life
Are you setting a new year’s resolution for yourself? Mine is so exercise more often!

cut down on: reduce your consumption of something
I’m trying to cut down on alcohol this year, so I’m going to do dry January.

cut out: comeplete stop a behaviour
I think 2025 is the year I finally cut out smoking!

polar bear swim: a cold water swim done on January 1st a way to celebrate the new year
Vancouver hosts a polar bear swim every year in English Bay on new year’s day!

turn over a new leaf: stop a negative behaviour and begin a new and more positive one
She has really turned over a new leaf; it’s like she’s a totally different person

clean slate: a fresh start
January 1st is a great day to set a new goal; it almost feels like a clean slate!

kick a habit: stop doing something
I’ve always had a bad habit of biting my nails, but my new year’s resolution is to finally kick that habit.