Ever wondered how a new word gets its prestigious place in the Merriam-Webster dictionary? It’s not as simple as inventing a cool term and hoping it catches on (sorry, “snaccident” lovers).
The journey of a word from the lips of a few to the pages of a dictionary is both fascinating and rigorous. Here’s the inside scoop on how words earn their rightful spot.
Step 1: Usage by Many People
A word gets into the dictionary when it is used by a wide array of people who all agree on its meaning. If a unique word is coined, it must be adopted and consistently used by many others in conversations and writing. The more its use spreads, the more likely it will be noticed by dictionary editors.
Step 2: Active Reading by Lexicographers
Dictionary editors, also known as lexicographers, actively read a variety of sources to find new words. They scour widely read publications, websites, industry journals, medical reports, tech magazines, and even comic strips. This extensive reading helps them identify vocabulary that has entered mainstream life.
Step 3: Collection of Citations
Each instance of a word’s usage is noted as a citation, capturing its context and source. These citations are stored in a searchable database, forming the raw material for dictionary entries. Merriam-Webster’s citation database contains nearly 17 million citations, providing a robust foundation for understanding how words are used.
Step 4: Evaluation of Usage
Lexicographers evaluate new words based on three main criteria: frequent use, widespread use, and meaningful use. The word must be used consistently over time, across different regions and industries, and have a clear and meaningful use in context. If a word is merely a fleeting trend or lacks significant usage, it won’t make it into the dictionary.
Step 5: Editorial Judgement and Review
Once a lexicographer gathers enough evidence, the word undergoes editorial judgement. Senior editors review the initial decision, ensuring that the word meets all criteria for inclusion.
Unlike some other decision-making processes, there are no committee meetings or advocacy groups involved in deciding whether a word gets included.
This meticulous process ensures that the Merriam-Webster dictionary remains an accurate and up-to-date reflection of the English language as it is used by speakers around the world.
By understanding this process, we can appreciate the careful consideration that goes into documenting the evolution of our language.
How to Get YOUR Word into the Dictionary
The History of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary
The history of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary begins with Noah Webster’s significant contribution. In 1828, Webster published “An American Dictionary of the English Language” with the goal of creating a distinct American version of English.
He included slang and local variations, which critics believed degraded the language, and simplified spelling rules to reflect spoken language.
After Webster’s death, brothers George and Charles Merriam purchased the rights to his dictionary. They collaborated with Webster’s son-in-law to produce a new, revised edition, marking the beginning of the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.
Today, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary is curated by a group of language experts. The criteria for including a word are “widespread, sustained, and meaningful use.”
Wrapping Up Our Dictionary Journey
So there you have it! The journey of a new word from obscurity to dictionary fame is a meticulous process, ensuring that only the most deserving words make it.
The next time you see a new entry in Merriam-Webster, you’ll know just how much work went into getting it there.
Keep an eye on your favorite quirky words—they might just be the next big thing!
Hey fellow Linguaholics! It’s me, Marcel. I am the proud owner of linguaholic.com. Languages have always been my passion and I have studied Linguistics, Computational Linguistics and Sinology at the University of Zurich. It is my utmost pleasure to share with all of you guys what I know about languages and linguistics in general.