The end of the year is just around the corner, and true to Nice News tradition, we're kicking off our fourth annual "Best of" series. Today is the culture edition, featuring insights into what makes someone likable, slang words to impress the Gen Alpha crowd, and a shining example of the hidden treasures librarians bring to light. We're excited to return to your inbox with new positive stories starting Jan. 1, and most of all, we want to thank you for being part of this positive community. Lastly, Merry Christmas to all who celebrate!
Culture
What Makes Someone Likable? 5 Key Factors That Influence People's Perception of You
Rudzhan Nagiev/iStock
Glinda the Good Witch said it best: It's all about popular. Sometimes it seems that being likable is the key to thriving socially and professionally in our culture (whether you like it or not). After all, when Glinda gleefully belts the lyrics, "It's not about aptitude, it's the way you're viewed," she has a point. As attractive as likability can be, it's also a pretty complex characteristic — and if it isn't top of mind for you, there's nothing wrong with tuning out the opinions of others. But for those curious about its nuances, we unpacked the pros and cons of trying to become more likable and narrowed down five factors that can impact how others perceive you. Read the article — aptly, one of our most popular of the year — to learn more about likability.
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"Skibidi" and "Work Spouse" Among 6,000 New Terms Added to Cambridge Dictionary
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If you keep up with the latest slang or have members of Gen Z and Gen Alpha in your circle, you've probably heard some of the newest words in the Cambridge Dictionary. The institution announced in August that more than 6,000 terms have been added over the past year, many of which have been popularized by younger generations and social media. Notable entries include "skibidi," a playful word popularized by a YouTube series that can mean "cool" or "bad," or be used humorouslywithout a specific meaning(insert: shrugging emoji). The slang term "delulu," short for "delusional," was also added, along with "work spouse," which describes a non-romantic workplace relationship in which two people support and trust each other. "Internet culture is changing the English language and the effect is fascinating to observe and capture in the Dictionary," Colin McIntosh, the lexical program manager at Cambridge Dictionary, said in a statement, noting: "We only add words where we think they'll have staying power." Learn some of the other newly added terms — and maybe show your work spouse while you're at it.
Culture
Massachusetts Named Best US State to Call Home in 2025
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If you're searching for a new place to call home — or just daydreaming on Zillow — one of WalletHub's 2025 reports might help whittle down the options. To find the best of the best U.S. states to live in, the site's experts analyzed 51 data-driven indicators of livability, including housing costs, health care, safety, income growth, and education quality. Massachusetts took the No. 1 spot, with top-ranked health care and education systems, the highest share of residents with health insurance, and the lowest premature death rate. The Bay State also boasts the nation's third-lowest property crime rate and third-best access to public transportation. Check out the rest of the top 10.
Culture
Harvard Paid $27 for a Magna Carta "Copy" That's Actually a Rare Original
Lorin Granger/Harvard Law School
In 1946, Harvard Law School purchased what was then believed to be a copy of the Magna Carta for $27.50, or a little under $500 in today's money. Nearly eight decades later, British historians have verified that the document is no copy, but rather an extremely rare original from the year 1300. The landmark document is well-regarded as a turning point in human rights, establishing in 13th-century England that no one was above the law — including the king. "This is a fantastic discovery," David Carpenter, a professor of medieval history at King's College London, told Harvard Law Today in May. "Harvard's Magna Carta deserves celebration, not as some mere copy, stained and faded, but as an original of one of the most significant documents in world constitutional history, a cornerstone of freedoms past, present, and yet to be won." Carpenter, who spearheaded the discovery, came across the digitized version of the document on the Harvard Law Library website and suspected it could be an original. He joined forces with Professor Nicholas Vincent from the University of East Anglia, and the duo established authenticity by comparing the piece's dimensions, handwriting, and text to the six other known originals. Ultimately, they found Harvard's version passed the test "with flying colors." Beyond highlighting the power of research and curiosity, the finding is a testament to the importance of librarians, said Amanda Watson, Harvard Law School's assistant dean for library and information services: "Behind every scholarly revelation stands the essential work of librarians who not only collect and preserve materials but create pathways that otherwise would remain hidden." Take a closer look at the 725-year-old document.
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