Words need to be popular and used in novels and newspapers for at least 10 years to qualify for a spot in the Oxford English Dictionary.
In a recent update, the OED has added around 500 words including, Meh, e-cigarette, FOMO, twitterati and twerk….YES twerk, the word describing the dance popularised by Miley Cyrus.
Apparently researchers found that the word (spelled ‘twirk then) was first used as a noun in 1820, describing a “twisting or jerking movement” or “twitch”. By 1901 the current spelling was in popular use.
[quote type=”border_left”]We are confident that it is the same origins as the dance. There has been constant use up into the present day to mean that same thing. I think it’s quite spectacular, the early origins for it. We were quite surprised. Said Fiona Mcpherson, Senior Dictionary Editor.[/quote]
Here are some of the entries:
Crowdfund: To actively source money for a project from a large numbers of people, who may only contribute small amounts each
E-cigarette: A battery-powered cigarette-shaped smoking device containing nicotine
Fo’ shizzle: ‘For sure’
FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out
Hard arse: A person known for insisting on a rigorous set of standards
Jeggings: Trousers with the stretch of leggings, but the appearance of jeans
Meh: Used to signal lack of enthusiasm, or a state of boredom. Popularised by The Simpsons in the 1990s
Photobomb: To insert yourself into someone else’s photo uninvited
Skort: Shorts with an extra flap of material to given them the appearance of a skirt from the front
Twitterati: People who are highly active on Twitter, and tweet regularly
Yarn bomb: A form of street art where lamposts, benches, signs and other street ornaments are covered in knitted objects
FLOTUS (noun) – (The) First Lady of the United States was referred to using this acronym as early as 1983, and is now Michelle Obama’s official twitter handle.
