Imposter Syndrome enters the Oxford English Dictionary

Last month Kate Atkin gave a talk on the imposter phenomenon, often incorrectly referred to as imposter syndrome, to Cambridge Network members. What she didn't know then was that the term "imposter syndrome" was about to enter the Oxford English Dictionary...

Kate Atkin writes:

Colloquial usage of the term impostor syndrome has grown recently, so much so that the term is now one of the new entries into the Oxford English Dictionary.  In fact, the impostor phenomenon was first referred to in academic circles back in 1978, but it has recently developed another life as the impostor syndrome and is being used (incorrectly) to refer to any lack of confidence or self-doubt.  Just today I spot it in The Times being used to refer to a real fraudster, on the same day that the OED publish my blog post on the topic! 

In fact, those who experience the impostor phenomenon/syndrome are not out to deceive others, they really are very good at what they do, but they haven't internalised their success. 

If you'd like to know more do read the OED blog.  There are also some useful tips on how to handle imposter feelings on my website www.kateatkin.com/imposter

Or feel free to get in touch by email kate@kateatkin.com or mobile 07779 646 976

 



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