With each passing year, popular culture welcomes the heavy usage of new words and phrases for an indefinite period of time. Eventually, these terms go from daily mentions to casual references to reminisce-about-when-it-was-“big” nostalgia.

It also seems that with each passing year, these societal inside jokes for a given year are becoming more and more common. This is in large part due to the rise of the Internet and social media sites that promote hashtagging, meme production and so much more.

Although there is no official start or finish to when these words are relevant, Oxford American Dictionary somewhat catalogues these short-lived cultural icons by annually inducting a “word of the year.”

This year, the term GIF, short for graphics interchange format, took home the top prize.

The word deserves the recognition.

In use since the ’80s, the Internet became a playground for these flashing images throughout the year of 2012. As a result, GIF will always be remembered by Oxford American Dictionary.

What happens to the other 2012 terms though?

Do they float off into irrelevance, only to be remembered when looking through old Facebook posts between you and your friends?

The reason I ask is because one my favorite and least favorite words of 2012 lost out to GIF — YOLO.

This acronym-turned-word swept into the American pop culture lexicon within the last year.

YOLO, short for “you only live once,” is most commonly used by teens and 20-somethings in situations where they are about to do something that they might not normally do like take a spontaneous road trip or spend money on an extravagant night out. Other times, it is used in inconsequential situations such as ordering an extra shot of espresso or watching TV instead of going to the gym for a work out.

The beauty of YOLO is that it can apply to any situation and carry the same core meaning.

In its early days, I used YOLO somewhat frequently as it became second nature and inescapable on a college campus. Overall, though, the use of the word has become tired, and it appears to be entering its twilight as a go-to phrase for Internet users and friend groups alike.

No matter how it is used, its temporary relevance to our culture is undeniable.

Past words of the year include LOL, OMG and Nom Nom. LOL means “laughing out loud.” OMG means “oh my gosh.” Nom nom is just a fun way of talking about food and eating.

While past words are simply interjections, YOLO has meaning.

For example, earlier this year I intended to spend a Friday night studying for the several exams that were coming up in the next week. On this same night, my good friend Tom was planning to attend the Best Coast concert, which was part of the Pygmalion Music Festival.

About a half hour after telling him I had to study that night, the term I had somewhat frequently used in much less important situations entered into my mind and would not leave.

YOLO.

You only live once.

In 30 years, when my own kids are going to college, I won’t be telling them about the time I studied for exams on a Friday, I will tell them about the fun memories I made on campus. Studying right then and there was not a life-or-death situation, and I still had time to study on Saturday and Sunday. So, I went to the concert.

This scenario likely doesn’t sound like a life lesson moment, but it is a perfect example of how reminding yourself that you only live once can open your mind and heart to living life to its fullest.

Unfortunately, this 2012 pop-culture-staple-turned-life-lesson will fade into obscurity once our societal ADD kicks in and new words are created.

Before YOLO fades, soak up its true meaning and live life accordingly. This might mean skipping a class to catch up on “Breaking Bad.” It might mean ordering that extra shot of espresso. It might mean finally committing to study abroad.

No matter what it means to you, just remember — YOLO.

John is a junior in Media. He can be reached at [email protected].