Let’s Make a Word

By Amy Kubista, Writing Consultant

Did you know that every year, new words are added to the dictionary?  I have often thought this ridiculous; it is difficult enough to learn the words that are already there, much less new ones.  What about people who are learning English?  How can they accurately grasp a language that is in constant flux?

In 2011, a slew of words were added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.  While some, such as bromance (a close friendship between men that is nonsexual) and cougar (an attractive, middle-aged woman seeking a sexual relationship with a younger man), derive from pop culture, other terms are more indicative of the times and society. 

For example, the term boomerang child (an adult child who returns home to live with parents for financial reasons) is a result of the dire economy, and fist bump comes from the gesture made famous by President Obama and the First Lady (bumping fists together in greeting or celebration).  Technology has introduced many new words: tweet, social media, and m-commerce (using a mobile device to conduct a business transaction).

Each year new words enter the dictionary, but how does a word officially become a word?    Simply put: usage.  A word must be used commonly enough that it warrants its own place in the almighty dictionary.  In essence, it needs to prove its worth in common vernacular before earning the title of word according to Merriam-Webster.  So how is the worth of a word measured?  

At Merriam-Webster, editors spend a portion of their work day on the hunt for new words.  They read over various materials, both formally and casually published.  They search for new words, new meanings to old words, and different spellings.  Once a word is identified as “common” enough, it is added to that year’s edition of the dictionary.  That is how ain’t found its way into Merriam-Webster.  I remember my English teachers ridiculing the use of ain’t because it was not a real word; however, now that it is used enough, it has sort of become one.  I have to admit it drives me crazy.  Ain’t?  Really?  What is it a contraction for?  Ain not?

So apparently, we are the creators of our own language.  Rather than seething over ridiculous additions to the dictionary, maybe I should think about making up my own word.  I encourage you all to do the same.  Create a word and encourage others to use it.  From now on, I hope that you all will start using the word fliptic (flipping a Tic Tac into your mouth rather than placing it in your mouth).  Pass it on!

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It’s a great idea to bookmark Merriam-Webster on your computer, for easy access to definitions, quizzes, and yes—new words!