8 of the Newest Words in Merriam-Webster

Dictionary updates with 1.7K new entries, including 'WTF' and 'vocal fry'
By Newser Editors,  Newser Staff
Posted May 26, 2015 4:42 PM CDT
8 of the Newest Words in Merriam-Webster
Merriam-Webster is updating again.   (PRNewsFoto/Merriam-Webster Inc.)

Scrabble updated its dictionary last week, and now it's Merriam-Webster's turn. The dictionary has added 1,700 new entries, and many revolve around our online world, notes Time. Here are eight examples, along with the official definitions from M-W:

  • WTF: "what the f---, used especially to express or describe outraged surprise, recklessness, confusion or bemusement."
  • NSFW: "not safe for work; not suitable for work—used to warn someone that a website, email attachment, etc., is not suitable for viewing at most places of employment."

  • Meme: "an idea, behavior, style or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture."
  • Clickbait: "something (such as a headline) designed to make users want to click on a hyperlink especially when the link leads to content of dubious value or interest."
  • Jegging: "a legging that is designed to resemble a tight-fitting pair of denim jeans and is made of a stretchable fabric."
  • Net neutrality: "the idea, principle or requirement that Internet service providers should or must treat all Internet data as the same, regardless of its kind, source or origin."
  • Vocal fry: "a vocal effect produced by very slow vibration of the vocal cords and characterized by a creaking sound and low pitch."
  • Photobomb: "to move into the frame of a photograph as it is being taken as a joke or prank."
Click to read lots more. (More Merriam-Webster stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X