Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2015: New Words Added Include ‘Photobomb,’ ‘Jeggings,’ ‘Meme,’ And Tons More


New words added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary for 2015 are today’s trendiest terms when it comes to technology. There are over 1,700 new entries in the latest edition, according to an announcement made this week. In addition to that, there are hundreds of “senses” to existing words and thousands of new contextual examples.

Among the new words added to Merriam-Webster, “photobomb,” “meme,” “emoji,” and “net neutrality.” The term “net neutrality” comes after a “years-long fight over the concept at the Federal Communications Commission,” The Hill reports. As the report states, net neutrality is defined as “the idea, principle, or requirement that Internet service providers should or must treat all Internet data as the same regardless of its kind, source, or destination.”

“Emoji” is defined as any small image or icon used in electronic communication, while “meme,” means “any idea behavior, style or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture.”

Another term in the Merriam-Dictionary 2015 edition is “sharing economy,”– referencing business like Airbnb or Uber that help sell the “temporary access to goods or services.”

The dictionary also has the words “click fraud” and “clickbait”– meaning ” fraud committed by clicking through an advertisement on a website multiple times to spuriously increase the cost to the advertiser.”

Time had more slangs and definitions for entries in the dictionary.

WTF (abbrev.)
Definition: what the f—, used especially to express or describe outraged surprise, recklessness, confusion or bemusement.

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.

jeggings (n.)
Definition: a legging that is designed to resemble a tight-fitting pair of denim jeans and is made of a stretchable fabric.

photobomb (v.)
Definition: to move into the frame of a photograph as it is being taken as a joke or prank.

eggcorn (n.)
Definition: a word or phrase that sounds like and is mistakenly used in a seemingly logical or plausible way for another word or phrase either on its own or as part of a set expression.

dark money (n.)
Definition: money contributed to nonprofit organizations that is used to fund political campaigns without disclosure of the donors’ identities.

twerk (v.)
Definition: sexually suggestive dancing characterized by rapid, repeated hip thrusts and shaking of the buttocks, especially while squatting.

What do you think of the new words being added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary 2015?

[Photo Credit: Politico]

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