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Text, internet speak and street slang officialised by new Chambers Dictionary

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By The Drum Team, Editorial

August 25, 2011 | 2 min read

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.

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