Oxford dictionary adds BYOD, geek chic, twerk, hackerspace, and phablet

The Oxford Dictionaries Online is adding a slew of words, from BYOD, twerk to phablet in its latest update of phrases that have recently come into general use.

Before you completely lose it, the Oxford Dictionaries Online is separate from the Oxford English Dictionary, though both are published by the Oxford University Press.

The Oxford University Press is responsible for a range of reference works, including Oxford Dictionaries Online, which focuses on modern usage – changes much more frequently, and has added text-speak acronyms like OMG and LOL in recent years.

And the historically-focused Oxford English Dictionary, adds words much less frequently and never removes a word once it has been added.

Here are some of the words that are being added:

BYOD – n.: abbreviation of Bring your own device (BYOD) also called bring your own technology (BYOT), bring your own phone (BYOP), and bring your own PC (BYOPC): the practice of permitting the employees of an organization to use their own laptops, tablets, and smart phones for work purposes.

bitcoin –  n.: a decentralised digital currency in which transactions can be performed without the need for a central bank.

digital detox – n.: a period of time during which a person refrains from using electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or smart phones, regarded as an opportunity to reduce stress or focus on social interaction in the physical world.

geek chic – n.: the dress, appearance, and culture associated with computing and technology enthusiasts, regarded as stylish or fashionable.

Internet of things – n.: a proposed development of the Internet in which everyday objects have network connectivity, allowing them to send and receive data.

MOOC – n.: a course of study made available over the Internet without charge to a very large number of people.

phablet – n.: a smartphone having a screen which is intermediate in size between that of a typical smartphone and a tablet computer.

unlike – v.: withdraw one’s liking or approval of (a web page or posting on a social media website that one has previously liked).

vom -v. & n. (informal): (be) sick; vomit

twerk – v.: dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.

TL;DR – abbrev.: ‘too long didn’t read’: used as a dismissive response to a lengthy online post, or to introduce a summary of a lengthy post.

TL;DR – abbrev.: ‘too long didn’t read’: used as a dismissive response to a lengthy online post, or to introduce a summary of a lengthy post.

squee – exclam. & v. & n. (informal): (used to express) great delight or excitement.

space tourism – n.: the practice of travelling into space for recreational purposes

apols – pl. n. (informal): apologies.

A/Ws – abbrev.: autumn/winter (denoting or relating to fashion designed for the autumn and winter seasons of a particular year). (See also S/S)

babymoons – n. (informal): a relaxing or romantic holiday taken by parents-to-be before their baby is born; a period of time following the birth of a baby during which the new parents can focus on establishing a bond with their child.

balayage s – n.: a technique for highlighting hair in which the dye is painted on in such a way as to create a graduated, natural-looking effect.

bitcoin, n.: a digital currency in which transactions can be performed without the need for a central bank.

blondie, n.: a small square of dense, pale-coloured cake, typically of a butterscotch or vanilla flavour.

buzzworthy, adj. (informal): likely to arouse the interest and attention of the public, either by media coverage or word of mouth.
cakepop, n.: a small round piece of cake coated with icing or chocolate and fixed on the end of a stick so as to resemble a lollipop.

chandelier earring, n.: a long, elaborate dangling earring, typically consisting of various tiers of gemstones, crystals, beads, etc.

click and collect, n.: a shopping facility whereby a customer can buy or order goods from a store’s website and collect them from a local branch.

dappy, adj. (informal): silly, disorganized, or lacking concentration.

derp, exclam. & n. (informal): (used as a substitute for) speech regarded as meaningless or stupid, or to comment on a foolish or stupid action.

double denim, n.: a style of dress in which a denim jacket or shirt is worn with a pair of jeans or a denim skirt, often regarded as a breach of fashion etiquette.

emoji, n: a small digital image or icon used to express an idea or emotion in electronic communication.

fauxhawk, n: a hairstyle in which a section of hair running from the front to the back of the head stands erect, intended to resemble a Mohican haircut (in which the sides of the head are shaved).

FIL, n.: a person’s father-in-law (see also MIL, BIL, SIL).

flatform, n.: a flat shoe with a high, thick sole.

FOMO, n.: fear of missing out: anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere, often aroused by posts seen on a social media website.

food baby, n.: a protruding stomach caused by eating a large quantity of food and supposedly resembling that of a woman in the early stages of pregnancy.

girl crush, n. (informal): an intense and typically non-sexual liking or admiration felt by one woman or girl for another.

grats, pl. n. (informal): congratulations.

guac, n.: guacamole.

hackerspace, n.: a place in which people with an interest in computing or technology can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment, and knowledge.

jorts, pl. n.: denim shorts.

LDR, n.: a long-distance relationship.

me time, n. (informal): time spent relaxing on one’s own as opposed to working or doing things for others, seen as an opportunity to reduce stress or restore energy.

omnishambles, n. (informal): a situation that has been comprehensively mismanaged, characterized by a string of blunders and miscalculations.

pear cider, n.: an alcoholic drink made from the fermented juice of pears.

pixie cut, n.: a woman’s short hairstyle in which the hair is cropped in layers, typically so as to create a slightly tousled effect.

selfie, n. (informal): a photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and uploaded to a social media website.

This report/news/ranking/statistics has been prepared only for general guidance on matters of interest and does not constitute professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this publication without obtaining specific professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and, to the extent permitted by law, CEOWORLD magazine does not accept or assume any liability, responsibility or duty of care for any consequences of you or anyone else acting, or refraining to act, in reliance on the information contained in this publication or for any decision based on it.

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