New Words in the Oxford English Dictionary
Oxtord English Dictionary Online is Out
The newest edition of the Oxford English Dictionary Online is out. And as far as I am concerned the Oxford English Online Dictionary is OUT! Some of what have been included are NOT words at all.
The Oxford English Dictionary Online is NOT on my favorite book list these days. Even though it is known as the authoritative reference book and the final word on words, it is not getting my thumbs up this year.
From the more than 1,900 entries, some of the new entries are digital shorthand terms that are used in the world of technology.
- OMG - short for "Oh my God" or "Oh my gosh"
- LOL - short for "laughing out loud"
- IMHO - short for "in my humble opinion"
- BFF - short for "best friends forever"
- FYI - short for "for your information"
- TMI - short for "too much information"
"Muffin Top"
I can understand how "muffin top" made it into the dictionary. It is a combination of real words. So what is a "muffin top"?
A "muffin top" is defined as "a protuberance of flesh above the waistband of a tight pair of trousers."
"Muffin top" gets my vote for having been included along with the new revisions in the Oxford English Dictionary Online!
"I Heart You"
I don't agree with this one at all. "Heart is a noun and NOT a verb as the Oxford English Dictionary Online has made it out to be.
The new entry for "heart" as a verb is a casual equivalent of "to love" that is represented with a symbol, as seen on millions of souvenirs proclaiming "I (heart) Virginia."
I still prefer saying, "I love you" instead of saying, "I heart you." And of now, I will continue to say the former.
How does a word make it into the OED anyway?
Key criteria is used to put a word in the Oxford English Dictionary Online.
- The word must be widespread and frequently used.
- The general population should understand it.
- The word must have a substantive lifespan to see if it will survive before it is included. The lifespan before a word is included is generally five years. Some words are added quicker if they seem historically significance. For instance, AIDS was added quickly.
Once Included in the OED, ALWAYS included in the OED
Once words are included in the OED, they are always included. They are never removed even though they may fade from everyday use.
Even so, I don't like most of the inclusions this year. I can't say, "I heart it" because I don't. So thumbs down this time, Oxford English Dictionary Online.
