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Newest Words to the Dictionary
Some things never change; however, the dictionary does!
In September 2022, Merriam-Webster officially added 370 new words to their dictionary. Their reasoning is, "Language grows and changes, which means new words and definitions must continually be added. When many people use a word in the same way, over a long enough period of time, that word becomes eligible for inclusion." Which makes perfect sense!
Some words are slang words adopted by younger generations, and others are updated definitions that better fit our dynamic political/social era.
Who knows? Maybe something you and your friends say often will be in the dictionary one day.
Here are some of our favorite new additions:
- Dumbphone: A cell phone that does not include advanced software features (such as email or an internet browser) typically found on smartphones
- Video doorbell: A small security camera that is designed for use on an exterior door, that includes or connects to a doorbell, that often has a microphone and speaker
- Supply chain: The chain of processes, businesses, etc., by which a commodity is produced and distributed
- Greenwash: To make (something, such as a product, policy, or practice) appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is
- Metaverse: A persistent virtual environment that allows access to and interoperability of multiple individual virtual realities, the hypothetical combination of all co-existing or sequentially existing universes
- Laggy: having a delayed or slow response (as to a user's input)
- Sponcon: Content usually posted by an influencer on social media that looks like a typical post but for which the poster has been paid to advertise a product or service
- Virtue signaling: The act or practice of conspicuously displaying one's awareness of and attentiveness to political issues, matters of social and racial justice, etc., especially instead of taking effective action
- Dawn chorus: The singing of wild birds that closely precedes and follows sunrise, especially in spring and summer
- Mud season: A time of year (such as early spring) that is characterized by excessively muddy ground
- Terraform: To transform (a planet, moon, etc.) so that it is suitable for supporting human life
- Yeet: To throw, especially with force and without regard for the thing being thrown
- Adorkable: Socially awkward or quirky in a way that is endearing
- Side hustle: Work performed for income supplementary to one's primary job
- Hoglet: A baby hedgehog
- Level up: To advance or improve (oneself, someone else, or something) in or as if in a game
- Pumpkin spice: A mixture of usually cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and often allspice that is commonly used in pumpkin pie
- Birria: Mexican dish of stewed meat seasoned especially with chili peppers
- Omakase: A series of small servings or courses offered at a fixed price and whose selection is left to the chef's discretion
Ever caught yourself saying any of these words? If not... you learn something new every day!
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