Have you ever come across a new word that excites you, but upon searching it in the dictionary you find out it does not exist? You are not alone. Numerous words are not in the dictionary, yet they portray a depth of emotion or describe a situation far better than the ones already listed. These are words that have been coined by individuals, yet not officially recognized by the lexicographers.
Such words often originate from street slang, colloquialism or social media. They may symbolize a cultural or social shift that cannot be captured by the standard English language. Nevertheless, they express an experience or feeling that many people can relate to, thus gaining popularity and usage. Some words may not make it into the English language due to their short-term relevance, while others have a more profound significance that the English language could benefit from.
In this article, we will be exploring some of these unsung words. These are the words that failed to make it into the dictionary but have stuck around through social media practice, texting and spoken language. We will reveal their meanings, how they came about, give examples of their usage and explain why they are yet to make it into the English lexicon. So, let us dive into the world of unacknowledged words, and widen our vocabulary into new realms.
The Evolution of Language
Language is a dynamic system that is constantly evolving in response to changes in human culture and communication needs. The English language, for example, has been shaped by multiple influences over the centuries, including invasions, migrations, and the spread of new technologies.
- Old English: The English language dates back to the 5th century when it emerged from the Germanic language of the Anglo-Saxon tribes that settled in England. Old English was a highly complex language with intricate grammar and syntax that would be almost unrecognizable to modern English speakers. Words such as “thou”, “thee”, and “ye” were commonplace, but have almost entirely disappeared in modern usage.
- Shakespearean English: The early modern period saw the emergence of English Renaissance literature, including works by William Shakespeare. The language of this era was characterized by ornate vocabulary, poetic phrasing, and complex sentence structures. Some of the words used in Shakespearean English, such as “wherefore” and “hark”, have fallen out of use over time.
- Internet slang: The advent of online communication has given rise to new forms of language, including acronyms, abbreviations, and emoticons. Terms such as “LOL” (laugh out loud), “AFK” (away from keyboard), and “:)” (smiley face) have become ubiquitous in internet culture and have even influenced spoken language.
The evolution of language is not only reflected in changes to vocabulary and grammar, but also in the creation of entirely new words. Over time, society has created a host of terminology to describe new technologies, social trends, and scientific discoveries. These new words are often added to the dictionary to reflect their incorporation into popular language. However, not all words make the cut. Words that are not in the dictionary may include:
Bootylicious: This term first appeared in the Destiny’s Child song “Bootylicious” in 2001 and quickly gained popularity as a way to describe a sexually attractive posterior. While the term is commonly used in colloquial speech, it has yet to be formally recognized as a word by the Oxford English Dictionary.
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Fleek | A term used to describe something that is perfect or on point. |
| Totes | An abbreviation of “totally” used to express complete agreement or enthusiasm. |
| Hangry | A combination of “hungry” and “angry” used to describe the irritability that can result from hunger. |
The process of adding new words to the dictionary
Language is always evolving, and the dictionary is constantly being updated to reflect the latest changes in the lexicon. So, how do words make it into the dictionary? Here is a breakdown of the process:
- Word creation: Words can be invented by anyone, but to make it into the dictionary, the word must be widely used and accepted by the public.
- Word usage: If a word gains enough popularity and usage, it becomes a candidate for inclusion in the dictionary. Words that appear in publications, websites, and even social media platforms are under consideration for inclusion.
- Lexicographers: Once a word is deemed worthy of dictionary inclusion, lexicographers at the dictionary publisher will research the word’s origins, meaning, usage, and frequency to determine if it will be included and how it will be defined.
However, not all words make the cut. Words that are too niche or short-lived may not be included. The dictionary aims to represent words that have endured and will continue to endure in the language.
Here is a sample of words that have yet to make it into the dictionary:
| Word | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hangry | Angry due to hunger |
| Adorkable | Cute in an awkward way |
| Nonversation | A pointless conversation |
While these words may not appear in the dictionary yet, they may in the future if they gain enough traction in the language. Language is always evolving, so who knows what new words will make it into the dictionary in the years to come.
The influence of technology on language
Technology has had a significant impact on language, influencing the way we communicate and express ourselves. One notable effect of technology on language is the creation of new words and phrases that are not yet included in traditional dictionaries. These words often originate from online conversations, social media, texting, and other digital communication channels.
As technology continues to evolve and reshape our world, the influence on language is expected to continue. Here are a few examples of how technology has impacted language:
- Emojis: Emojis have become a popular way to convey emotions and expressions in online messaging and social media. These small images have added a new layer to online communication and have even been integrated into professional communication, such as emails and business memos.
- Acronyms and abbreviations: The rise of digital communication has led to the creation of countless acronyms and abbreviations, from LOL (laugh out loud) to SMH (shaking my head). These shortened versions of words and phrases have become quite popular in informal communication channels, and some have even entered mainstream language.
- Hashtags: Hashtags were originally created as a way to organize information on social media platforms, but they have since become a way to express opinions, emotions, and ideas in a concise manner. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon to see hashtags used in everyday language or in advertising campaigns outside of social media.
However, there are also concerns about the impact of technology on language. Some argue that the rise of digital communication has led to a decline in grammar, writing, and spelling skills, as people rely more on autocorrect and shorthand. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of online communication has led to a lack of clarity and brevity, making it difficult to express complex ideas effectively.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| New words and expressions created | Potential decline in language skills |
| Enhances online communication | Lack of clarity in communication |
| Easy to express opinions and emotions | Difficulty expressing complex ideas |
Overall, technology has had a significant impact on language, both positively and negatively. As language continues to evolve alongside technology, it will be important to strike a balance between embracing new forms of expression while also maintaining the integrity of language skills.
Neologisms and Slang Words
Neologisms are new words or terms that are introduced into the language, often to describe new concepts or technologies. Slang words, on the other hand, are informal words or phrases that are commonly used in everyday conversation but may not be considered standard English. Both neologisms and slang words are examples of how language evolves over time.
- One example of a recent neologism is “staycation,” which refers to a vacation taken at home or nearby instead of traveling to a distant location.
- Slang words can vary widely based on region or generation, but some popular examples in current usage include “lit” (meaning exciting or excellent), “savage” (used to describe something or someone fierce), and “bae” (a term of endearment for a significant other).
- It’s worth noting that not all neologisms or slang words gain widespread acceptance or use. Some may remain niche terms, while others fall out of favor over time.
While neologisms and slang words can add color and variety to language, it’s important to use them judiciously in formal writing or professional contexts. Depending on the audience and context, they may come across as unprofessional or even confusing. As with any aspect of writing, it’s important to consider the context and adjust language use accordingly.
| Neologism | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hangry | Combination of “hungry” and “angry,” used to describe feeling irritable due to hunger. |
| Selfie | A photograph one takes of oneself, typically taken with a smartphone and shared on social media. |
| Textspeak | The use of shorthand or abbreviated spellings in text messages or online communication. |
As new concepts and technologies continue to emerge, it’s likely that new neologisms will be introduced into the English language. Likewise, slang words will continue to evolve and adapt based on usage and cultural shifts. Keeping up with these changes can be a fun way to stay current with language trends, but always remember to use them appropriately in any given context.
Regional dialects and variations
In regional dialects and variations, there are many unique words that are not recognized by the standard English dictionary. For example, the Southern United States has a distinct dialect with its own vocabulary. Words like “y’all,” “fixin’,” and “reckon” are commonly used in the South but are not found in the dictionary.
In the United Kingdom, there are also many regional variations in vocabulary. Words like “ken” in Scotland, meaning “to know,” and “grockle” in the West Country of England, meaning “a tourist,” are not recognized by the standard English dictionary.
- “Y’all” – Southern United States
- “Fixin'” – Southern United States
- “Reckon” – Southern United States
- “Ken” – Scotland
- “Grockle” – West Country of England
Regional variations don’t just apply to individual words, but also to pronunciation and grammar. For example, in some parts of England, the word “bath” is pronounced with an “a” sound as in “cat,” while in others it is pronounced with an “ah” sound as in “father.”
One interesting way to explore regional dialects and variations is through a linguistic atlas, which maps out the variations in vocabulary and pronunciation across a given region or language.
| Region | Example Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Southern United States | “Y’all” | Second person plural pronoun |
| Scotland | “Ken” | To know |
| West Country of England | “Grockle” | A tourist |
In conclusion, regional dialects and variations showcase the diversity of a language and its evolution over time as it adapts to the cultural and geographical contexts of its users. Exploring these variations can add depth to our understanding of language and its role in shaping our identities and communities.
Borrowed words and loanwords
English, like many other languages, has borrowed words from other languages that have become part of its lexicon. Some of these words have become so commonplace that we often forget that they were originally borrowed from other languages. For example, the English language has borrowed words from French such as “restaurant,” “depot,” and “garage.” From German, we have borrowed words such as “kindergarten,” “angst,” and “doppelganger.” Additionally, English has borrowed words from a wide variety of other languages such as Arabic, Dutch, Hindi, Japanese, and Yiddish.
- The Dutch word “smeerlap” means “a dirty person.”
- The Hindi word “juggernaut” means “an unstoppable force.”
- The Yiddish word “chutzpah” means “shameless audacity.”
In addition to borrowing individual words, English has also borrowed entire phrases and idioms from other languages. For example, the French phrase “joie de vivre” means “a zest for life,” and the Italian idiom “in bocca al lupo” means “good luck.” These borrowed words and phrases have greatly enriched the English language and have helped to make it the diverse and dynamic language that it is today.
Loanwords are similar to borrowed words in that they are words that are taken from one language and used in another language. However, there is a subtle difference between the two. Borrowed words are taken from another language and used directly in the language that has borrowed them. Loanwords, on the other hand, are words that are taken from one language and then adapted to fit the grammar and sound system of the language that is taking them.
| Language of origin | Word or phrase | English adaptation |
|---|---|---|
| French | bijouterie | jewelry store |
| German | schadenfreude | taking pleasure in the misfortune of others |
| Japanese | kamikaze | a suicidal mission undertaken by a Japanese pilot in World War II |
Loanwords can be found in many languages, and they serve to show the interconnectedness of languages and cultures around the world.
Controversial and taboo words in language
Language is constantly evolving and with it, new words and phrases are created, but some words are still considered controversial or even taboo. These words are often avoided in polite conversation or media, and some are even censored by governments or institutions. Here are some examples:
- Profanity – This includes a wide range of words that are considered disrespectful, vulgar, or offensive. It can be used to express anger, shock, or frustration, but it is generally not appropriate in polite conversation or formal settings.
- Racial slurs – These are derogatory terms that are used to insult or demean people based on their race or ethnicity. They are not only hurtful but can also perpetuate stereotypes and discrimination.
- Sexual language – This includes words and phrases that are related to sex, sexuality, and sexual orientation. While some people may find these topics taboo, others argue that it is important to talk openly and honestly about these issues.
Many people have different opinions on what words are considered taboo or offensive. Some people believe that certain words should never be used, while others argue that it depends on the context and the intent of the speaker. Regardless of your personal beliefs, it is important to be aware of the impact that our words can have on others.
Here is a table that shows some of the words that are considered taboo or offensive in different cultures:
| Culture | Taboo/Controversial Words |
|---|---|
| United States | Racial slurs, profanity, sexual language, blasphemy |
| China | Political dissent, criticism of government, discussion of Tibet or Xinjiang |
| Japan | Sexual language, blasphemy, criticism of Emperor or government |
| India | Religious blasphemy, criticism of government, discussion of Kashmir |
It is important to remember that these words and topics may be considered taboo or controversial in different contexts and cultures. As global communication becomes more prevalent, it is important to be aware of cultural differences and sensitivities.
What Words are Not in the Dictionary?
Q: Can a word be considered a word if it’s not in the dictionary?
A: Yes, a word can still be considered a word even if it’s not found in the dictionary.
Q: Why are some words not included in the dictionary?
A: Some words may not be included in the dictionary because they are too new or too niche for widespread use, or because they are considered slang or offensive.
Q: Can a word still have meaning even if it’s not in the dictionary?
A: Yes, a word can still have meaning even if it’s not officially recognized by the dictionary.
Q: How do words get added to the dictionary?
A: Words can be added to the dictionary through widespread usage, academic or literary use, or through submission and approval by dictionary editors.
Q: Are there some languages where all words are not included in a dictionary?
A: Yes, there are some languages where all words may not be included in a dictionary, such as those with unwritten or oral language traditions.
Q: Can a word be too niche to be included in the dictionary?
A: Yes, a word may be considered too niche or specific to be included in the dictionary, as it may only have meaning within a certain group or industry.
Q: Are there some words that should never be added to the dictionary?
A: Some may argue that there are certain words that should never be added to the dictionary, such as those that promote hate speech or discriminatory language.
Closing Thoughts
Now that you know more about what words aren’t in the dictionary, keep in mind that language is constantly evolving and changing, and that even the most common words we use today were once new or unusual. Thanks for reading, and check back soon for more insights into the fascinating world of language!