Merriam-Webster Expands Dictionary with 1,400 New Words, Including Internet Slang
The latest additions reflect contemporary language trends, incorporating terms from social media and online culture.
Merriam-Webster has significantly expanded its lexicon by adding 1,400 new words to its dictionary, reflecting the evolution of language and the growing influence of internet culture. The new entries include a wide range of terms, from viral slang to previously unacknowledged concepts, aiming to keep pace with contemporary usage.
Among the notable additions are terms like "looksmaxxing," defined as the practice of taking measures to increase physical attractiveness; "Sunday scaries," referring to the anxiety felt on Sunday evenings about the upcoming work week; and "Rickroll," the internet prank involving tricking someone into viewing Rick Astley's music video. These additions highlight how online phenomena and social media trends are shaping formal language.
Other included terms such as "Xennial," describing individuals born in the late 1970s or early to mid-1980s, "yacht rock," a genre of soft rock music from the 1970s and 1980s, and "limerence," an intense infatuation, are also now officially recognized. The dictionary has also incorporated "California sober," referring to a lifestyle that abstains from alcohol but may include other substances, and the "Mandela Effect," a phenomenon where a large group of people collectively misremembers an event or detail.
Merriam-Webster editors explained that a word earns its place in the dictionary through frequent, widespread, and meaningful use. Lexicographers track language evolution by collecting citations from real-world examples, evaluating their context and source. Words gain inclusion once English speakers widely adopt and understand them, demonstrating staying power across various contexts.
The inclusion of terms like "parasocial," "meme coin," and "promposal" (defined as a creative request for a prom date) further illustrates the dictionary's effort to capture modern vernacular. The process involves a rigorous review of usage data, with nearly 17 million citations in their database to inform editorial decisions.
This expansion marks a significant update, acknowledging that language is a living entity constantly shaped by new trends, technologies, and cultural shifts. The dictionary's ongoing effort to document these changes ensures its relevance as a comprehensive record of the English language.