Word Nerds: New Words!
Just in!
Here are a few entries that caught my eye:
ELI5: abbreviation. explain like I’m five (used to ask for a straightforward and simple explanation of a complex topic or concept).
padawan: noun. an inexperienced person, particularly one being taught by someone more experienced.
greenhushing:noun. the practice of a company not reporting its sustainability efforts, often in order to avoid scrutiny.
glow-up: noun. a positive transformation, generally in appearance but often also in confidence, social capital, or ability.
How Does a Word Get Into the Dictionary?
According to Dictionary.com a word gets entered into the dictionary after there is evidence that it has been in use for some time by lots of people. Thus, a word “suddenly” found in the dictionary may not be a newly coined word, being one that has found its way into everyday use already.
Check out the entries here. What words did you discover?
At first glance, one of my faves is “balrog,” a large, evil monster associated with fire and shadow. I wish I knew what book it’s sourced from. But I have a feeling that my science fiction-loving husband might know.
It sounds Tolkien. I can imagine a Balrog and an Orc hanging out together comparing mayhem stories.
Padawan? No “Jedi” words, please. Conversation done. I will walk away.
We are walking in the same direction.
Good. We’ll get some coffee.