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| http://www.wordspy.com/ |
Move over Merriam-Webster, and make room on the virtual bookshelf. I have a new favorite word referencing site, and this one doesn't care about old fuddy-duddy words like, well, "fuddy-duddy."
Word Spy offers up the newest catchwords introduced into our lexicon by virtue of current events and growing technology. There are even examples and quotes so you can see where the word either originated or is generally used. Old Webster can't be bothered with most of these yet as they haven't been around long enough; but they are popping up in soundbites and feature articles. Here are a few samples of what you'll find at Word Spy:
n. The destruction of a person's career or reputation caused by lewd or insensitive Twitter posts. [twitter + immolation.]
-twimmolate v.(BAY.kun) n. Non-personal, non-spam email messages that you have signed up for, but do not necessarily want or have time to read. Also: BACN, bacon.
n. A choice between two positive or ideal things; a problem that actually demonstrates one's good fortune.
Word Spy has been around since 1995 so you'll see words that you recognize, such as "phishing" and "metrosexual," but most will be fad words you may not have run across yet. But I bet you will. And when it happens, buttercup, you'll have the definition at your fingertips.
Word Spy is no replacement for Grandpa Webster---more like the young, hip cousin who wants us to come out and play.
See you for Book Blurb Friday -
Lisa
