David Cameron makes 'big impression' on 2010

David Cameron's "Big Society" has been named the Oxford Dictionary's phrase of the year, beating candidates such as "vuvuzela" and "double-dip".

"Big society was for us a clear winner because it embraces so much of the year's political and economic mood," said Susie Dent, spokeswoman for Oxford Dictionaries and language expert on Channel 4's Countdown.

The word of the year award does not necessarily mean inclusion in the dictionary.

"We always wait to see good evidence that a word or expression will stay the course before we include it in an Oxford Dictionary," said Ms Dent.

Other words in contention were "Tea Party", the US conservative political movement, and "preloading", the practice of drinking heavily at home before going out to save money.

"Top kill", the sealing of a leaking oil well, was also in contention after the Gulf oil spill.