In 2017, Merriam-Webster added the word “woke” to its dictionary. Originally derived from African American Vernacular English (AAVE), “woke” refers to being socially aware, particularly in terms of issues like racism and social justice. The term has evolved to encompass a broader awareness of various social inequalities and injustices. Its usage has become more widespread in mainstream culture, often used to describe individuals or groups that are conscious of and actively engaged in social and political issues.