Word buffs and green folk alike should be pleased at the selection of hypermiling as top word of 2008. It refers to the activity – actually, for some, like top hypermiler Wayne Gerdes, it’s a competitive sport – of squeezing every last drop out of a gallon of gas. If that requires driving only downhill, so be it.

Other top words that didn’t make it to No. 1 were moofer – as in, one who moofs, a mobile out-of-office worker who gets his job done via Blackberry and the like; staycation – for those who want to enjoy their precious days off close to home or can’t afford to travel; and tweet, as in what you do when you use Twitter (shouldn’t it be called twit? Anyone?).

I detect a theme of mobility: These words all have to do with where you’re going (or not going) and how you get there.

Gotta love the way language grows and reshapes itself to fit our lives. 2008, we salute you.