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This article was first published 13 years ago

Which word should be in Oxford Dictionary? Tell us!

Last updated on: August 22, 2011 10:36 IST


Retweet, sexting, woot. Can't make out what these words mean? Fret not, these are among a host of new entries that have been added to the Oxford Dictionary.

In fact, the centenary edition of the esteemed Concise Oxford English Dictionary now contains some 400 new entries, some of which are a testament to the continuing evolution of language especially in the time of the Internet.

Retweet -- to repost or forward a message on Twitter, sexting -- the sending of sexually explicit photographs or messages via a mobile phone, and woot -- used in electronic communication to express elation enthusiasm or triumph, all make the book.

Which word should be in Oxford Dictionary? Tell us!


Photographs: Vivek Prakash/Reuters

Also fashionable Jeggings -- tight-fitting stretch trousers for women and mankini -- a brief one-piece bathing garment for men with a T-back, made famous by comedy character Borat, are in the dictionary.

But the 1911 limited-edition dictionary, included with its 2011 counterpart, offers a glimpse into a world where exciting new words included marconigram -- a message sent by Marconi's wireless telegraphy system; kinematograph -- an apparatus producing motion pictures; and biplane -- a two-winged aeroplane, the Daily Mail reported.

Which word should be in Oxford Dictionary? Tell us!


"The 1911 dictionary was a lot smaller than the latest version and is phrased more quaintly in some places, but my overriding impression of it is how good it was," said Angus Stevenson, an editor of the 12th edition of the dictionary.

Words from the fashion world of 1911 show how much the world has changed. It includes blouse -- then defined as a workman's loose linen or cotton garment, frock -- a monk's long gown with loose sleeves and petticoat -- a skirt worn by women, girls and young boys.

The current edition contains over 240,000 words, phrases and definitions.

Can you think of a word that HAS to be added to the world's most popular dictionary? In the message board below, tell us which words should find a place in the next edition of the dictionary.