Merriam-Webster, the venerable publisher of America’s oldest dictionary, has recently embraced the evolving landscape of modern language by adding 1,400 new entries to its lexicon. This substantial update, unveiled on 15 September, aims to reflect the dynamic nature of contemporary culture, technology, and social media, showcasing words and meanings that have gained traction over time.
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Among the notable additions are terms that resonate with the age of the internet and social interaction. The dictionary now features “looksmaxxing,” a concept focused on optimising one’s appearance, alongside the intriguing “Mandela Effect,” which describes a phenomenon where large groups of people remember an event differently from how it occurred. Additionally, language users will encounter other phrases such as “cuffing season,” denoting a period when individuals seek short-term romantic relationships to endure the colder months.
The influence of social media is also evident in this latest update, with new words such as “Rickroll” — an internet prank involving an unexpected link to a pop song — being included. Merriam-Webster notes that these entries reflect well-defined concepts within digital culture, highlighting the seamless integration of language and technology. The introduction of terms like “meme coin” further underscores how financial trends in cryptocurrency are being embraced in everyday vocabulary.
Technology-related entries have not been overlooked in this update. The dictionary introduces “AGI,” short for artificial general intelligence, as well as terms like “compute,” which has evolved from a verb into a noun indicating a valuable resource sought after by tech companies. Other tech-focused phrases, such as “vibe coding” and “uncanny valley” — the unsettling sensation triggered by nearly-human artificial creations — serve to highlight the nuances of current technological discussions.
Food enthusiasts will also find their tastes represented in this new collection, with the inclusion of “superfood,” a term often used to describe nutrient-rich food, as well as “bao,” the popular steamed bun, and “chilli crisp,” a condiment that has gained popularity in culinary circles. Other gastronomic additions like “cake pop” and “shishito” provide a window into diverse culinary trends, illustrating how language evolves in tandem with cooking culture.
The concept of what constitutes a ‘valid’ word in the dictionary is stringently maintained by Merriam-Webster. For a term to be considered for inclusion, it must demonstrate widespread and consistent use across various industries and regions. The dictionary editors employ extensive research and citation collection to ensure that only words familiar to an average adult enter the esteemed dictionary. Words that are mere fleeting trends or that lack a shared understanding among the populace are typically excluded from this lexicon.
Merriam-Webster has made it clear that their aim is not to chase after transient buzzwords; they focus on the linguistic items that have established a solid footing in everyday conversation. They define ‘widespread’ use as a sign that the word has transcended niche communities and taken root in a variety of contexts where people of diverse backgrounds can encounter it and understand its meaning.
The timing of this announcement comes just months before Merriam-Webster is set to reveal its highly anticipated word of the year. The previous year saw the selection of “slop,” a term defined as low-quality digital content produced in bulk, often utilizing artificial intelligence. This word captured a prevailing sentiment regarding the overwhelming presence of poorly made media in the digital landscape, demonstrating how language reflects collective societal feelings.
As the digital realm continues to expand and transform, the need for a dictionary to capture these changes becomes ever more important. Merriam-Webster’s latest additions not only celebrate linguistic diversity but also act as a testament to how language continuously forms a bridge between culture, technology, and human experience. With a commitment to recording the words that shape our lives, the dictionary remains an essential resource for understanding the evolution of communication in modern society.