In a recent blog update, Dictionary.com unveiled the incorporation of 327 new words and phrases, highlighting them as expressions that capture the diverse dimensions of modern life.
The post underscored the dedicated work of lexicographers in continually updating the dictionary to reflect the ever-changing landscape of the English language.
Among the fresh additions to the lexicon are terms like ‘skiplagging’ and ‘range anxiety,’ which are described as linguistic treasures that convey nuanced concepts. Followers of TikTok might recognize ‘girl dinner’ from a viral video in 2023, cementing its inclusion in the dictionary.
In addition to introducing new entries, Dictionary.com announced the inclusion of 173 new definitions and the revision of 1,228 existing ones. Established in 1995 by Brian Kariger and Daniel Fierro, Dictionary.com boasts approximately 70 million monthly users, with over 100 million word enthusiasts having downloaded the platform.
The selection of terms for 2024 reflects contemporary social issues, fashion trends, and wellness themes. For example, ‘girl dinner’ is defined as an aesthetically presented assortment of snacks, considered sufficient as a meal for one person. ‘Skiplagging’ presents a method for avoiding higher airfares by booking a flight with a layover and disembarking at the layover destination instead of the final one.
The term ‘range anxiety’ addresses the concern of an electric vehicle’s battery running out before reaching its destination or a charging station. Its addition aligns with the growing popularity of fully electric vehicles, with over a million Americans purchasing them last year.
Noteworthy additions to the lexicon include ‘shacket,’ ‘keto flu,’ and ‘climate breakdown,’ reflecting the dynamic evolution of language to encompass contemporary experiences.
