Winning in Ukrainian. About the Language of Hate and Love — Olha Dubchak

This is an exploration of how language becomes a weapon, a tool of resistance, and a means of expressing the most intense emotions—from fierce hatred toward the enemy to boundless love for one’s own people. The author analyzes the new linguistic reality in which we find ourselves following February 24, 2022.

Main themes:

Hate speech: How and why we create new names for enemies, why this is important for psychological relief, and how the dehumanization of the occupier works linguistically.

War neologisms: An analysis of words and phrases that have become markers of the times (“cotton,” “tractor troops,” “Chornobaiti,” etc.).

The language of love: How our communication with loved ones has changed, what words we use to offer support, and how language helps us stay united.

Etiquette and Swearing: Is it appropriate to swear during wartime (spoiler: the author explains why “Russian warship…” has become a linguistic monument) and how norms of decency change under extreme conditions.