Text, internet speak and street slang officialised by new Chambers Dictionary
A raft of new additions to the Chambers Dictionary are set to offend the sensibilities of traditionalists after its authors elected to introduce such anti establishment gems as “OMG” – Oh My God.
The 12th edition of the word bible also includes such nuggets as “skank” referring to a loose woman, and “meh”, another internet acquisition which has become a universal indication of indifference.
Cognisant of the Facebook age “defriend” and “unfriend” are now officially recognised actions.
Reflecting the age we now live in a new lexicon of terminology stemming from the recent financial turmoil also merit inclusion, including “double dip” and “toxic assets”.
David Swarbrick, managing director at Chambers, said: ‘I think young people are probably the most creative agents for new words because they’re not held back by convention.
‘Young people are the real artists of the language and a dictionary should reflect that.”
Britain’s youth are also presented in less flattering terms with new definitions present for “NEETs” – not in education, employment or training and “fill your boots” – a reference to recent looting.