February 14, 2024
In a recent blog post, Dictionary.com revealed the addition of 327 new words and phrases, characterising them as expressions encapsulating the diverse facets of contemporary life.
The post highlighted the diligent efforts of lexicographers, who are actively updating the dictionary to encompass the ever-evolving English language.
The expanded lexicon introduces terms such as 'skiplagging' and 'range anxiety,' described as language gems for articulating nuanced concepts. TikTok enthusiasts may recognise 'girl dinner' from a 2023 viral video, solidifying its place in the dictionary.
Alongside the new entries, Dictionary.com shared news of incorporating 173 fresh definitions and revising 1,228 existing ones. Established in 1995 by Brian Kariger and Daniel Fierro, Dictionary.com boasts around 70 million monthly users, with over 100 million word enthusiasts having downloaded the platform.
The selection of 2024 terms reflects contemporary social issues, fashion, and wellness trends. 'Girl dinner,' for instance, is defined as an attractively presented assortment of snacks, deemed sufficient as a meal for one person. 'Skiplagging' offers a workaround for avoiding higher airfares, involving booking a flight with a layover and disembarking at the layover destination instead of the final one.
The term 'range anxiety' addresses the fear of an electric vehicle's battery running out before reaching its destination or a charging station. This addition coincides with the increasing popularity of fully electric vehicles, with over a million Americans purchasing them last year.
Notable additions to the lexicon include 'shacket,' 'keto flu,' and 'climate breakdown,' reflecting the dynamic evolution of language to encapsulate contemporary experiences.