The Evolution of Language

It's always interesting to see how new words/meanings gradually gain acceptance in the English language.

For example, the latest additions to the Oxford English Dictionary are now out. I think you could be forgiven if you don't recognize some of the words and phrases.

Here are some examples:

- day gecko (a diurnal sub-species of gecko);
- group of death (unless you're a soccer fan, you might not know that this phrase refers to a group that is highly competitive);
- little bluestem (a type of ornamental bunch grass);
- up to high doh (extremely excited);
- yernfully (with yearning)

To see the full list of additions, you can visit the online OED at http://public.oed.com/the-oed-today/r....

And if you know all of these words already, you can pat yourself on the back as a high muckety-muck, which incidentally is another addition-- meaning a person of great importance or self-importance.
 •  0 comments  •  flag
Share on Twitter
Published on September 15, 2014 04:27 Tags: oxford-english-dictionary
No comments have been added yet.


Open Investigations

Michael J.  McCann
A blog that explores crime fiction writing and other topics of interest to both readers and authors.
Follow Michael J.  McCann's blog with rss.