Merriam-Webster Adds 1,700 Words Including ‘WTF’ and ‘Meme’
WASHINGTON, May 27 (UPI) — Merriam-Webster has added more than 1,700 new words into its dictionary, including “emoji,” “colossal squid” and even “WTF” for when you see “NSFW” “memes.”
The American reference guide also expanded existing entries by more than 700 new senses and added 3,200 examples that provide contextual information.
“Whatever they do or are, all of them are members of this vibrant, expanding language we share. And now they’re part of Merriam-Webster Unabridged too,” Associate Editor Emily Brewster wrote, announcing the additions.
emoji (n.)
Definition: any of various small images, symbols or icons used in text fields in electronic communication (as in text messages) to express the emotional attitude of the writer, convey information succinctly, communicate a message playfully without using words, etc.NSFW (abbrev.)
Definition: not safe for work; not suitable for work, used to warn someone that a website, email attachment, etc., is not suitable for viewing at most places of employment.meme (n.)
Definition: an idea, behavior, style or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture.photobomb (v.)
Definition: to move into the frame of a photograph as it is being taken as a joke or prank.dark money (n.)
Definition: money contributed to nonprofit organizations that is used to fund political campaigns without disclosure of the donors’ identities.
The entries also come with examples, such as for “wtf.”
<… an event showcasing the king of WTF foods — the food item that wins the crown for most bemusing common ingredient in the Chinese culinary vocabulary: The humble holothurian, better known as the common sea cucumber. — Erin McKean, Wall Street Journal, 26 Nov. 2011>
