New Words for 2008
Update Your Conversations Using the Newest Words and Phrases.
A look at how new words come into the English language through other languages, combinations or inventions, and a list of some of the coolest new words to use in 2008.
What’s the word? Or more accurately, what’s the latest word? New words enter the English language all of the time. Sometimes they come from the technical world, like widgets or wiki. They may migrate from another language, like sudoku or manga. They may be a combination of two existing words, like Jazzercise (jazz + exercise) or Bollywood (Bombay and Hollywood). Sometimes they are created to describe a new invention, such as ipod or e-mail.
How To Become a Word
In order for a word to be truly recognized by the powers that be (dictionary editors), they have to pass specific criteria. Merriam-Webster explains that editors first study magazines, online media and newspapers to find new words and new word usage. Then, if a word with the same meaning is used widely enough, often enough and has long-term staying power, it may get included in the next dictionary update, which for some dictionaries is done quarterly—at least in their online editions.
So now you know how the words we use got here, at least officially. Unofficially, new words are constantly being created. If you want to be on the cutting edge of new word vocabulary, take a look at some of the newest words that have emerged in the English language, and see how you can work them into your next conversation. Maybe through your use, you’ll help them get into the next dictionary update.
Work These Into Your Conversation
Blamestorming: Combination of blaming and brainstorming. Used when co-workers sit around trying to figure out who is at fault for a missed deadline or botched project. “The client wasn’t happy. You know the boss will want to have a blamestorming session.”
Swipeout: When the magnetic strip on a credit card wears out due to use. “I just called my credit card company because my old card had a swipeout.”
Friendiligence: The amount of time it takes to maintain friend requests on social networks such as MySpace and Facebook. “I just don’t have time for all of this friendiligence!”
Prehab: A program to prevent young stars from behaving inappropriately. “Looks like Miley Cyrus is the only one who’s been to prehab.”
Irritainment: A celebrity spectacle that, like a car wreck, you just can’t turn away from. “Brittney Spears provided enough irritainment for 2007.”
Bromance: Combination of brother and romance used to describe a strong heterosexual relationship between to males. “Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have a great bromance.”
Earjacking: Eavesdropping on a conversation. “That guy at that table over there is earjacking us!”
Ginormous: Combination of gigantic and enormous. “That sandwich I just ate was ginormous.”
Do you have a word you want to see in the dictionary? Merriam-Webster lets you recommend a word for inclusion in their open dictionary at www3.merriam-webster.com/opendictionary. Got a fresh phrase? The website at Urban Dictionary lets you add your own slang words (often of the PG-13 and R variety) and their definitions.
Then you too can tell your friends: “W00t! I did it.”
