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Merriam-Webster's latest update includes over 5,000 new words, such as 'petrichor' (the smell of earth after rain), 'ghost kitchen' (a restaurant that serves delivery-only meals), 'dad bod' (a body type reflecting a softer physique), and 'rizz' (slang for charisma). These additions reflect contemporary language usage and cultural trends.
Merriam-Webster typically updates its Collegiate Dictionary every decade or so. The most recent edition, the 12th, was released 22 years after the previous hard-copy update in 2003, marking a significant revision in response to evolving language and usage patterns.
'Petrichor' refers to the pleasant scent produced when rain falls on dry soil. The term was coined in 1964 by two Australian researchers, who identified the oils released from plants and a compound called geosmin in the soil, which contribute to this distinctive aroma.
Dictionary updates are influenced by cultural, technological, and social trends. The rise of digital communication, social media slang, and changing societal norms all contribute to the vocabulary that reflects contemporary life. For instance, terms like 'cancel culture' and 'adulting' highlight shifts in social behavior and attitudes.
New words often emerge from significant cultural shifts, capturing societal attitudes and behaviors. For example, terms like 'dad bod' and 'ghost kitchen' illustrate changing perceptions of masculinity and the impact of technology on dining habits, respectively. These words encapsulate modern lifestyles and values.
Dictionaries serve as authoritative references that document language usage, providing definitions and context for words. They help standardize language, facilitate communication, and reflect the evolution of language over time. As cultural artifacts, they also capture the zeitgeist of various eras.
Digital media has accelerated the pace of language evolution, leading dictionaries to adapt more quickly to new terms and usages. Online platforms allow for real-time updates and broader access to language resources, while also influencing the vocabulary through social media trends and viral content.
'Dad bod' gained popularity as a term describing a physique that is soft and slightly overweight, often associated with middle-aged men. It reflects changing attitudes towards body image, promoting acceptance of diverse body types and challenging traditional ideals of masculinity and fitness.
Lexicographers select new words based on evidence of usage in various contexts, such as literature, media, and everyday conversation. They analyze frequency, longevity, and significance of terms to determine their inclusion, ensuring that the dictionary remains relevant and reflective of current language.
Print dictionaries face challenges such as declining sales due to the rise of digital resources, which offer instant access to definitions and updates. Additionally, the rapid pace of language change in the digital age makes it difficult for print editions to keep up, leading to a potential obsolescence of traditional formats.
