Wordies, rejoice; we’re in the dictionary. Yes, we lovers of words join foodies and groupies in having a dictionary-blessed term that defines us as a collective.
As Merriam-Webster.com notes, “Language doesn’t take a vacation, and neither does the dictionary.” Thus they’ve added 850 new words that have been used often enough to warrant being in the dictionary.
“If you’re likely to encounter a word in the wild, whether in the news, a restaurant menu, a tech update, or a Twitter meme, that word belongs in the dictionary,” the M-W post explains.
I’m not thrilled to see “life hack” on the list (“a usually simple and clever tip or technique for accomplishing some familiar task more easily and efficiently”), although clearly the term is used so often it deserves a spot. Others I can appreciate:
- Dog breed names, like schnoodle and Yorkie-poo, for dogs that are a cross between two breeds
- Dumpster fire: A disastrous event
- Embiggen: To make bigger or more expansive
- Glamping (a blend of glamorous and camping): Outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping
- Mansplain: To explain something to a woman in a condescending way that assumes she has no knowledge about the topic
- Unicorn: A start-up company valued at one billion dollars or more
- Wanderwort: From the German words meaning “wander” and “word,” referring to a word borrowed from another language – I LOVE this
- Welp: Used informally like well (as to introduce a remark expressing resignation or disappointment)
Which ones are you happy or sad to see officially welcomed in the dictionary?
Related reading:
Words of the year for 2017, including fake news and dotard
New Scrabble words in 2016, including vape and lolz
Words of the year for 2014, including photobomb and vape