Here are ten popular words you might see in headlines, and why they’re always there!

 

As you might know, headlines are really carefully created to grab attention. For this reason, they often use strong vocabulary. Alongside this, the headlines might be overdramatised, emotional, and vague. This is all on purpose to get more people reading.

So, with this in mind, here are 10 common words you’ll often see in headlines and what they really mean. Use these to help you with storytelling in English both in speaking and writing.

 

Exclusive

Exclusive basically means that this specific story has been reported first by that specific outlet or it just means “we have information that others don’t have access to—yet.”

Exclusive, in its raw form, basically means having the power to exclude (not include something or someone). For this reason, it can be used negatively but actually, often it’s used to sell mostly. For instance, there are exclusive bars and restaurants in major cities which makes them more prestige and sought after.

 

Revealed

Revealed means that a secret has been uncovered or shown to the public. For example, if you’re reading a gossip magazine they might state “The real reason for the breakup is revealed”. Perhaps it doesn’t mean a big secret is finally coming out, though. It could mean something previously known is being made public or reported in more detail.

Revealed can be used in so many different contexts and for this reason has slight differences in definitions.

 

Shocking

Shocking is a great word to use. It’s utilised for things that are unexpected or surprising – something that the news usually is. However, as you may be aware, it doesn’t necessarily imply something truly shocking. It is often exaggerated for dramatic effect.

In fact, I saw an example recently; “Kate Middleton challenges senior Royal with a shocking plan as future queen”. Spoiler: it wasn’t actually shocking.

 

Unbelievable

You’ll likely be able to guess this one – it’s just the negative of believable. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is genuinely unbelievable, it’s the same as using surprising or shocking, especially in news headlines.  

Just like with shocking, these things are often completely believable once you read the full story, it’s just used for emotive effect. Honestly, I see this a lot with health and beauty-related articles; “Unbelievable ways that you can prevent wrinkles.”

 

Breaking

You’ve likely seen this, too. BREAKING NEWS!

Breaking news just means a new bit of information that has come out, that you must know about. I have to say, usually, it isn’t that breaking or important, it’s just a ploy used by newspapers to get people’s attention.

 

Scandal

This is a good one for all of you that like a bit of gossip. A scandal, my definition is a moral wrongdoing. For example, cheating, corruption, or fraud. Sometimes these scandals are absolutely awful and should be reported on as such.

Sometimes, when it comes to news, it just refers to anything controversial or embarrassing that involves a public figure or institution. Everybody loves reading about a little harmless scandal every now and then.

 

Controversial

If something is controversial, it simply is an opinion or action that will have a lot of disagreement and judgment against it. Controversial opinions, politics, and actions are very common with people in the public eye. A great example is the fact that Trump and Elon Musk are controversial characters, with many people against them and their actions.

That being said, it is often used for stories that stir up opinions but might not actually be “controversial” in a broader sense.

 

Hero

A hero is often someone who has performed an extraordinary act. In Hollywood movies, it’s people like Superman and Spiderman. However, in headlines, it can be anyone who has done something perceived as good, even if it’s relatively minor. It’s used quite generously but it’s nice to see fell-good stories, right?

For example, you might see; “Hero teenager saves a cat from a tree.”

 

Horrific

Oh, this is a very emotive word, designed to invoke strong emotions, but it doesn’t always indicate something as extreme as the word suggests. It may simply describe an upsetting or tragic event. Well, I hope so anyway.

You might see this one a lot with natural disasters – understandably. For instance, the horrific aftermath of the hurricane.

If you want to avoid negative news, it might be good to avoid any headlines that include this.

 

Exposed

Last but not least we have exposed. This is a good one and is often used by tabloids and gossip magazines. Basically, in journalism, it suggests that a hidden truth is coming out.

Unfortunately, it’s not always that juicy or amazing. In many cases, the “exposure” might just be a piece of public information that was previously overlooked.

Exposed is also commonly used, not just in gossip articles. It can be extremely serious topics about serious crimes, too.

 

So why are these words commonly used? Well, because they work—they grab attention and make people very curious. Basically, they sell newspapers and get clicks onto websites. For this reason, it’s important to look past the sensationalised language and understand the context of the article before forming an opinion. Remember, it’s all a business.

These words might help you when it comes to storytelling in your real-life situations.