Every year, dictionaries add new words to reflect evolving language, culture, and technology. In 2023, the Oxford English Dictionary included "rizz" (charisma) and "situationship" (an ambiguous romantic relationship). These additions show how slang and social changes shape formal language.
Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford follow a rigorous process. Editors track usage through books, newspapers, and social media. A word must appear frequently and consistently before consideration. For example, "ghosting" (suddenly ending communication) entered dictionaries after widespread use in dating contexts.
New additions fall into categories:
Some words originate from other languages, like "hygge" (Danish for coziness) or "kaizen" (Japanese for continuous improvement).
In 2023, Merriam-Webster added "influencer" and "deepfake," highlighting social media's impact. These additions ensure dictionaries remain relevant, capturing the changing nature of English. Understanding this process helps appreciate how language adapts to human experiences.