Tag Archives: oxford english dictionary

Outrage! “Cassette Tape” Removed From The Oxford English Dictionary

Julie GersteinAugust 23, 2011 //

Do you want to feel old? Really old? While words like sexting, jeggings and mankini have found their way into the collective consciousness, one term has been exorcised forever from the official record of English language — “cassette tape.” According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “cassette tape” will no longer appear in future editions of the publication, having been replaced by tons of text speak, such as LOL, OMG, and <3. Yes, the text sign for “love” is the OED, but cassette tape is not. And this, my friends, is just WRONG. Keep reading »

Civilization Is Crumbling: “Jeggings” Added To The Oxford English Dictionary

Julie GersteinAugust 19, 2011 //

Guys, we have some problems. The list of new words in the 2011 Oxford English Dictionary is out, and not only has “jegging” made the cut, but “mankini” is also now officially an acceptable term. A couple of other disturbing non-fashion words that passed muster? “Cyberbullying,” “sexting,” and “retweet.” It’s not so much that we object to the words entering the dictionary–it’s more that “jegging” and “mankini” being acknowledged by Oxford means that they are real things that are likely going to be around for a long time. Yes, thanks to Borat’s lime green almost-bare bathing suit, we’ve now got an official word for when men wear inappropriate and weird lady bathing suits. Welcome to your sartorial nightmare, future, now officially a real thing, thanks to the dictionary. [Mirror.co.uk] Keep reading »

“LOL,” “OMG,” “♥” And “Muffin Top” Added To The Oxford English Dictionary

Kate Torgovnick/Kate-Book.comMarch 25, 2011 //

OMFG, I am LMAO. Apparently, the Oxford English Dictionary announced some new additions to its iconic pages this week. A few of the words being taken into the fold: “LOL,” “OMG,” and “♥.” And yes, they are fully aware of the fact that these are not actually words. The OED calls them “initialisms” and explains “there often seems to be a bit more than simple abbreviation going on.” They say the expressions can be an “informal, gossipy mode of expression” or can “parody the level of unreflective enthusiasm or overstatement that can sometimes appear in online discourse.” So highbrow for text talk, no?

Also interesting: apparently, the first use of OMG appeared in a letter in 1917. And LOL goes back to 1960, only then it meant “little old lady.” Keep reading »

Dictionaries Going The Way Of The Dinosaurs: Oxford Says No More Print Editions

Julie GersteinAugust 31, 2010 //

Thanks in part to the ubiquitousness of computers, kids no longer know how to write in cursive — and soon they will also probably stop using actual books. The Oxford English Dictionary announced this week that it will no longer be publishing a print edition and will only be available online. Keep reading »

LBD, Matchy-Matchy, And Other Hilarious Word Additions To The OED

Leonora EpsteinAugust 19, 2010 //

Every year, the Oxford English Dictionary adds a couple thousand new words and terms to its roster. In 2010, quite a few from the fashion world made it into the OED, including LBD, jeggings, match-matchy, and wardrobe malfunction. Interested in what else is now officially included in the dictionary? Some more slightly unbelievable additions after the jump! Keep reading »