Dear Reader: We, as midlife mothers, have a never-ending (and sometimes unattainable) quest to keep current at all times, esp. given our generational gap (did I say that?). We must know what (or even more than) our kids know, while remaining contemporary. In our desire to stay hip, cool, young, I mean: tight, sick, clean, dope, sweet, bad a$$ (need help? these all mean “cool”), I’ve compiled a list of new words for 2012, which should, at the very least, catapult you ahead of your friends while playing Scrabble. Got it?

1. aha moment – a moment of sudden realization/inspiration

2. cloud computing – the practice of storing regularly used computer data on multiple servers that can be accessed through the Internet

3. copernicium – a short-lived artificially produced radioactive element that has 112 protons

4. earworm – song or melody that keeps repeating in one’s mind

5. energy drink – a usually carbonated beverage that typically contains caffeine and other ingredients (as taurine and ginseng) intended to increase the drinker’s energy

6. f-bomb – the word f$$k —used metaphorically as a euphemism

7. game changer -a newly introduced element or factor that changes an existing situation or activity in a significant way

8. gassed – drunk

9 gastropub -pub, bar, or tavern that offers meals of high quality

10. man cave – a room or space (as in a basement) designed according to the taste of the man of the house to be used as his personal area for hobbies and leisure activities

11. sexting – the sending of sexually explicit messages or images by cell phone

12. systemic risk – the risk that the failure of one financial institution (as a bank) could […]