Why did Merriam-Webster add 'rizz' and 'doomscroll'?

Merriam-Webster added these terms to reflect the current evolution of language and their widespread use online.

What happened to Urban Dictionary?

Experts suggest Urban Dictionary has become a less reliable source, often filled with toxicity and vulgarity.

Are legacy dictionaries faster at adopting new slang now?

Yes, major dictionaries like Merriam-Webster are increasingly quick to include contemporary slang terms.

Home / Lifestyle / Slang Goes Legit: Dictionaries Embrace Online Lingo

Slang Goes Legit: Dictionaries Embrace Online Lingo

15 Dec

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Summary

Merriam-Webster added over 5,000 new words, including 'rizz' and 'doomscroll'.
Urban Dictionary has devolved into a toxic space, experts claim.
Legacy dictionaries are now faster at adopting current slang.

Slang Goes Legit: Dictionaries Embrace Online Lingo

Traditional dictionaries are now embracing internet slang at an unprecedented pace, with Merriam-Webster adding over 5,000 new words, including popular terms like 'rizz,' 'doomscroll,' and 'dumbphone.' This evolution signifies a change in how language is documented, with established lexicographical institutions actively recognizing and incorporating terms that have gained traction online.

Once a go-to for internet lingo, Urban Dictionary is now seen by some experts as having lost its way, becoming a platform for negativity rather than linguistic documentation. Linguist Amanda Montell describes the site as having devolved into a 'graveyard,' overshadowed by its former self.

In contrast, legacy dictionaries are adapting quickly, with the Oxford English Dictionary naming 'brain rot' and 'rage bait' as words of the year. Merriam-Webster acknowledges this shift, viewing their role as capturing 'live developments' in language, mirroring the dynamic nature of online communication.