The new dictionary's here!

Ghoulish Delight · 07-06-2006, 11:40 AM

It's that time of year when Websters announces which new words they've added to the dictionary. This article mentions a bunch of them. Miriam-Webster's site mentions some. I guess you'll have to buy the book to see all 100 or so.

Here's what strikes me as odd. I've heard "unibrow" used regularly for almost 2 decades, and it's just making it in. Meanwhile, I've heard "himbo" maybe once as a joke, and there it is. Weird.

Gemini Cricket · 07-06-2006, 12:02 PM

Interesting. I've never heard the word 'himbo' used before.

Alex · 07-06-2006, 12:12 PM

I assume MW uses a process similar to the Oxford English Dictionary. The key that tends to produce weird lags is that dictionaries usually only care about usage in print so slang tends to lag well behind since it is much less likely to get into print.

Also, consistent usage over time is a factor. MW lists their first discovered use of "unibrow" as 1988 but it may be that it splashed onto the scene and then disappeared from print sources for most of the next decade.

The example I find interesting is "ringtone" which is dated to 1983 but I imagine until the last couple of generations of cellphones was purely an industry technical term.

BarTopDancer · 07-06-2006, 12:50 PM

It took a really long time for ain't to make it into the dictionary. I still don't know what it is a contraction for.

tracilicious · 07-06-2006, 12:58 PM

Is it weird that I get all tingly when I find out a new dictionary has been released?

Prudence · 07-06-2006, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracilicious

Is it weird that I get all tingly when I find out a new dictionary has been released?

I'm sure a round of antibiotics could clear that right up.

Ponine · 07-06-2006, 01:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tracilicious

Is it weird that I get all tingly when I find out a new dictionary has been released?

Totally wierd.

SacTown Chronic · 07-06-2006, 02:28 PM

Totally

Cadaverous Pallor · 07-06-2006, 03:43 PM

"mouse potato"?

07-06-2006, 11:40 AM	#1
Ghoulish Delight I Floop the Pig Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Alternative Swankstyle Posts: 19,348	The new dictionary's here! It's that time of year when Websters announces which new words they've added to the dictionary. This article mentions a bunch of them. Miriam-Webster's site mentions some. I guess you'll have to buy the book to see all 100 or so. Here's what strikes me as odd. I've heard "unibrow" used regularly for almost 2 decades, and it's just making it in. Meanwhile, I've heard "himbo" maybe once as a joke, and there it is. Weird. __________________ 'He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me.' -TJ
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07-06-2006, 12:02 PM	#2
Gemini Cricket ... Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 13,244	Interesting. I've never heard the word 'himbo' used before.
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07-06-2006, 12:12 PM	#3
Alex . Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 13,354	I assume MW uses a process similar to the Oxford English Dictionary. The key that tends to produce weird lags is that dictionaries usually only care about usage in print so slang tends to lag well behind since it is much less likely to get into print. Also, consistent usage over time is a factor. MW lists their first discovered use of "unibrow" as 1988 but it may be that it splashed onto the scene and then disappeared from print sources for most of the next decade. The example I find interesting is "ringtone" which is dated to 1983 but I imagine until the last couple of generations of cellphones was purely an industry technical term.
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07-06-2006, 12:50 PM	#4
BarTopDancer Prepping... Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 11,405	It took a really long time for ain't to make it into the dictionary. I still don't know what it is a contraction for. __________________ Spork is the new MacGyver Postcards From My Edge
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07-06-2006, 12:58 PM	#5
tracilicious avatar transition Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: in-between Posts: 2,487	Is it weird that I get all tingly when I find out a new dictionary has been released? __________________ And now Harry, let us step into the night and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure! - Albus Dumbledore
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07-06-2006, 02:28 PM	#8
SacTown Chronic the myth of the dream Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 2,217	Totally
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07-06-2006, 03:43 PM	#9
Cadaverous Pallor ohhhh baby Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Parental Bliss Posts: 12,364	"mouse potato"? __________________ The second star to the right shines in the night for you
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