20 Of the Oxford Dictionaries Online's Weirdest New Words
While the Oxford English Dictionary may be slow on the pick up, the Oxford Dictionaries Online prides itself on keeping up to date with today's fast paced culture and tech jargon. What does this mean? Yes, "derp" is now in the dictionary.
Other new words and phrases also have evolved to recognize the growing market in business tech with words like "bitcoin," "internet of things," and "space tourism," providing an entirely new level of legitimacy to the industries of tech, media, and entertainment. For all you contemporary tech geniuses out there, here is a list of 20 of crucial, interesting, and downright funny new English language words.
1. Bitcoin
"n.: a digital currency in which transactions can be performed without the need for a central bank."
And potentially the future of money.
2. Buzzworthy
"adj. (informal): likely to arouse the interest and attention of the public, either by media coverage or word of mouth."
Or in other words, worth an internet shoutout.
3. BYOD
"n.: abbreviation of 'bring your own device': the practice of allowing the employees of an organization to use their own computers, smartphones, or other devices for work purposes."
Because this is my computer.
4. Derp
"exclam. & n. (informal): (used as a substitute for) speech regarded as meaningless or stupid, or to comment on a foolish or stupid action."
Possibly the best word in the dictionary ever.
5. Digital Detox
"n.: a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as smartphones or computers, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world."
Probably a healthy thing we all should, but never will, do.
6. Emoji
"n: a small digital image or icon used to express an idea or emotion in electronic communication."
Mostly overused by overexcited mothers who recently discovered that texting is a thing.
7. Food Baby
"n.: a protruding stomach caused by eating a large quantity of food and supposedly resembling that of a woman in the early stages of pregnancy."
Most commonly exclaimed by college students who recently returned home to quality, edible, non-dining hall food.
8. Geek Chic
"n.: the dress, appearance, and culture associated with computing and technology enthusiasts, regarded as stylish or fashionable."
Even tech has a fashion sense these days.
9. Girl Crush
"n. (informal): an intense and typically non-sexual liking or admiration felt by one woman or girl for another."
A popular feeling towards actress and all-around fantastic person Emilia Clarke (Khaleesi from the hit show "Game of Thrones").
10. Hackerspace
"n.: a place in which people with an interest in computing or technology can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge."
Also referred to as our "evil lair."
11. Internet Of Things
"n.: a proposed development of the Internet in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data."
A growing reality in which top tier tech has begun to develop.
12. Me Time
"n. (informal): time spent relaxing on one’s own as opposed to working or doing things for others, seen as an opportunity to reduce stress or restore energy."
In other words, what I don't get enough of.
13. Phablet
"n.: a smartphone having a screen which is intermediate in size between that of a typical smartphone and a tablet computer."
Think of it like a person in the independent party. Not exactly on the left, not exactly on the right, but can't really seem to get things done either way.
14. Selfie
"n. (informal): a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website."
You know you do it. We all do it.
15. Space Tourism
"n.: the practice of travelling into space for recreational purposes."
A dream actually not too far on the horizon.
16. Squee
"exclam. & v. & n. (informal): (used to express) great delight or excitement."
Dating advice for men who squee: Don't.
17. Street Food
"n.: prepared or cooked food sold by vendors in a street or other public location for immediate consumption."
The life-blood of any New York college student.
18. TL;DR
"abbrev.: 'too long didn't read': used as a dismissive response to a lengthy online post, or to introduce a summary of a lengthy post."
A reflection of our ever-shortening attention spans.
19. Twerk
"v.: dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance."
A now-defining characteristic of Miley Cyrus's dance style.
20. Unlike
"v.: withdraw one's liking or approval of (a web page or posting on a social media website that one has previously liked)."
If only we could announce it in real life without looking crazy.
