Phubbing is not a common word, but it has excellent applications today. Phub is a portmanteau for phones and snubs. The word is believed to have been invented in 2012 by Account Director Adrian Mills of the McCann Group for their “Stop Phubbing” campaign.
In our society, people are expected to go to a restaurant or other public space and see hordes of people looking at their cell phones and ignoring those around them. This often goes as far as to ignore the people at their table or in a group.
This has become an epidemic among children who have grown up surrounded by electronic devices. But it is not confined to children, as we all have become increasingly addicted to social media and have information at our fingertips.
Of course, with practice so widespread, there are other word forms like phub and phubbing. The famous Banksy street art “Mobile Lovers” is an example of phubbing.
“Sociologists now believe that at least twenty-five percent of all divorces are a result of phubbing.”
“If you phub on your first date, you will likely not have a second.”
“Many parents believe that phubbing by their children is destroying their social skills.”
Insouciance is also uncommon but a good way of expressing happiness and lack of concern. The word “Insouciance” means to be happy without feeling guilty or worried about your actions. The word might be positive when used to express confidence and less stress but negative when used to express indifference.
“Her detachment and insouciance toward the homeless became a problem for the food bank.”
“His insouciance about the stress and issues of his job gave him the ability to sleep soundly.”
“Once war erupted, the insouciance toward Russia gave way to genuine concern.”
Using these two words in a single sentence is relatively easy once you make one.
“His insouciance about the meeting was evident as he continued phubbing with complete disregard for the discussion.”
“Despite her insouciance towards the team’s work, she couldn’t resist phubbing during the presentation.”
“Phubbing his date during lunch, he maintained an insouciance that left her feeling disregarded and unimportant.”
