Merriam-Webster Has Added a Number of Internet Slang to Its Dictionary — Is Sus a Real Word Now?

Have you ever pondered the origins of the language we use? Have you ever wondered about the history of certain words or phrases? Well, evolution is the main cause of it all.

As we add words, phrases, and meanings, language continues to change. Words are occasionally created as a result of the introduction or development of a new concept or product that eventually became part of our society. It is what makes language interesting.

Now, one of the most popular dictionaries in the world has added more words into its list, making some internet slang as officially dictionary-recognized words.

Merriam-Webster Added 370 New Words

According to Engadget, the titular dictionary announced the addition of a fair amount of new words.

Not all of the words that were added to the dictionary originated from a single source. Business and technology, the natural world, space, slang, working, banking and money, health, food, entertainment, and of course, words from the internet, are just some of the categories.

Social media and video game culture have popularized the majority of the slang terms. However, Gizmodo points out that several of these slang terms were adopted from minority populations, particularly Black people.

Words You Might Have Heard Of

When their equipment was operating slowly, people would claim that they were "laggy." Since it already has its own pages on the dictionary's website, it is regarded as having official recognition by the dictionary.

The term "lewk," which refers to style looks or slang for "look," is also now recognized as a word.

The word "sus" has likely been in use for a while. The online murder mystery game Among Us helped to popularize the word, which meaning suspicious or suspect.

But not all the newly added words are usually used by Gen Z. Some of them were being used during the COVID-19 pandemic that we all experienced.

The phrase "booster dose," which became widely used due to the pandemic, is among the most recognizable newly added words in the dictionary.

Lab test findings that are "false positive" or "false negative" have now their own Merriam-Webster page.

Other Notable Words Added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary

There are a total of 370 newly added words in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. Below are some of the most notable words you should know.

• yeet: "used to express surprise, approval, or excited enthusiasm"

• adorkable: "socially awkward or quirky in a way that is endearing"

• baller: "excellent, exciting, or extraordinary especially in a way that is suggestive of a lavish lifestyle"

• FWIW: "abbreviation for what it's worth"

• ICYMI: "abbreviation in case you missed it"

• altcoin: "any of various cryptocurrencies that are regarded as alternatives to established cryptocurrencies and especially to Bitcoin"

• mojo: "a sauce, marinade, or seasoning that is usually composed primarily of olive oil, garlic, citrus juice, and spices (such as black pepper and cumin)"

• oat milk: "a liquid made from ground oats and water that is usually fortified (as with calcium and vitamins) and used as a milk substitute"