Editor's Corner

Good morning word lovers. I recently read that Merriam-Webster has added new words to the dictionary (as they often do). Word additions always spark a lot of debate. Many people don’t like seeing what they perceive to be trendy or slang words added to the dictionary, but remember that dictionaries don’t tell us how to speak, they reflect how we actually do speak.

For a word to get added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it “must be used in a substantial number of citations that come from a wide range of publications over a considerable period of time. Specifically, the word must have enough citations to allow accurate judgments about its establishment, currency, and meaning.”

And while words are regularly being added, words are likewise being removed when they are no longer used or useful.

First, I want to share the banking words that were added (though they may not seem especially “new”):

• gift economy: a system in which goods and services are given freely between people rather than sold or bartered
• shrinkflation: the practice of reducing a product’s amount or volume per unit while continuing to offer it at the same price
• unbanked: not having money deposited in a bank
• underbanked: not using or having access to a full range of banking options
• altcoin: any of various cryptocurrencies that are regarded as alternatives to established cryptocurrencies and especially to Bitcoin
• side hustle: work performed for income supplementary to one’s primary job

And here are some newly added business and technology words:

• dumbphone: a cell phone that does not include advanced software features (such as email or an internet browser) typically found on smartphones
• video doorbell: a small security camera that is designed for use on an exterior door, that includes or connects to a doorbell, and that often has a microphone and speaker
• microgrid: a small grid, especially a local electrical that can be connected to a larger network but that is also capable of operating independently
• supply chain: the chain of processes, businesses, etc., by which a commodity is produced and distributed: the companies, materials, and systems involved in manufacturing and delivering goods
• greenwash(verb): to make something, such as a product, policy, or practice appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is
  (noun): something (such as a claim or action) that is intended to make a product, policy, activity, etc. appear to be more environmentally friendly or less environmentally damaging than it really is

And for fun, here are a few slang words that are now official:

• yeet(interjection): used to express surprise, approval, or excited enthusiasm
  yeet(verb): to throw especially with force and without regard for the thing being thrown
• janky: of very poor quality (junky); not functioning properly or adequately (faulty)
• sus: suspicious, suspect
• lewk: a fashion look that is distinctive to the wearer and that is noticeable and memorable to others
• adorkable: socially awkward or quirky in a way that is endearing
• baller: excellent, exciting, or extraordinary especially in a way that is suggestive of a lavish lifestyle

And finally, here are some words that were recently removed or have been marked archaic, historical,or obsolete:

• aerodrome: a location from which aircraft flight operations take off. This British term has since been replaced by “airport.”
• alienism: the study and treatment of mental illness. This term has been phased out due to its insensitivity and inaccuracy in reference to those with mental health issues.
• brabble: to argue stubbornly about trifles
• frigorific: causing cold, chilling. Today, we still use the word “frigid.”
• frutescent: having or approaching the appearance or habit of a shrub
• supererogation: the performance of more work than duty requires
• younker: a youngster

And with that, I wish you a good day!

Donna Bradley Burcher |Technical Editor, Advisory | jack henry™

8985 Balboa Ave. | San Diego, CA 92123

Pronouns she/her/hers

About Editor’s Corner

Editor’s Corner keeps your communication skills sharp by providing information on grammar, punctuation, JHA style, and all things English. As editors, we spend our days reading, researching, and revising other people’s writing. We love to spend a few extra minutes to share what we learn with you and keep it fun while we’re doing it.

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