Dictionary.com has just added more than 300 new words and definitions, and it’s a brilliant indicator of current trends.
So this sneak preview of the new words is essentially a comprehensive look into the 2017 zeitgeist, both in terms of current events and popular culture.
#NewWords #BLM: A political & social movement supporting basic human rights and equality for black people.https://t.co/jsPrv8tngY pic.twitter.com/9p6cN7AfJn
— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) March 30, 2017
Many of the new words come straight from the front page, like “Black Lives Matter,” “Burkini” and “alt-right.” This isn’t particularly surprising, as most years a whole chunk of words spring from the news.
#NewWords Clicktivism: the use of the Internet to organize and promote political or social causes and movements.https://t.co/UO1eKdus13 pic.twitter.com/xobJm9V8hC
— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) March 30, 2017
As marijuana becomes medically and recreationally legal in more states across America, words like “420″ and “Kush” have also been added. Dictionary.com says this reflects “broader acceptance of marijuana use and culture”. Dictionary.com also includes pretty interesting origins of the words. Who knew that “420″ was “first recorded in 1970-75; a code word derived from the meeting time of a particular group of marijuana smokers in 1971, later popularised by fans of the band the Grateful Dead.” So there you go.
#NewWords Friendiversary: The yearly recurrence of the date that two or more people first became friends.https://t.co/DOPfrnfjbU pic.twitter.com/uJ1ec8jCxP
— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) March 30, 2017
But not all of the words stem from the news – some words that you’re probably already sick of hearing have also been added (we’re looking at you “dabbing” and “superfood”).
#NewWords Hangry: feeling irritable or irrationally angry as a result of being hungry.https://t.co/58s4tUCZH3 pic.twitter.com/SSjyGyGXpP
— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) March 30, 2017
Dictionary.com’s also got you covered in terms of slang. Next time your grandma wants to actually understand what you mean when you say “slay” or “struggle bus,” luckily she’ll be able to click onto Dictionary.com for reference. Let’s just hope she knows how to use the Internet and then she’s sorted.
#NewWords Slay: To strongly impress or overwhelm someone.https://t.co/pGmiPwXZLf pic.twitter.com/1cYpGphxTD
— Dictionary.com (@Dictionarycom) March 30, 2017
It might be in the online dictionary now, but we’ll still judge you a teensy bit if you use “dabbing” non-ironically. Just saying.