The Oxford English Dictionary added some strange words to its online dictionary this year, including buzzworthy, cake pop, emoji, guac, and the ever-controversial selfie. Twerk was added shortly after Miley Cyrus's memorable VMA performance.
The words added to the dictionary each year can nicely summarize significant pop culture events or technological advancements. Which is why OED's birthday word generator, a simple tool showing a word that was added to their dictionary each year from the 1900s to the 2000s, is so incredible.
Which word was added to the dictionary the year you were born?
1982
downloadable, adj.
Of data, a file, etc.: able to be downloaded (see download v.).
1983
air guitar, v.
To mime the action of playing a guitar, esp. to a recording or performance of rock music. Cf. air guitar n.
1984
shopaholic, n.
A compulsive shopper.
1985
gobsmacked, adj.
Flabbergasted, astounded; speechless or incoherent with amazement.
1986
channel surf, v.
To change frequently between television channels, esp. using a remote-control device
1987
bazillionaire, n.
A person of enormous wealth.
1988
beatbox, v.
To make rhythmical sounds with the voice and mouth in imitation of the rhythms of hip-hop music. Cf. human beatbox n. at human adj. and n. Special uses 2.
1989
crowd-surfing, n.
The action of lying flat while being passed over the heads of members of the audience at a rock concert, typically after jumping into the audience from the stage. Cf. stage-diving n. at stage n. Additions.
1990
emoticon, n.
A representation of a facial expression formed by a short sequence of keyboard characters (usually to be viewed sideways) and used in electronic mail, etc., to convey the sender's feelings or intended tone.
1991
nu skool, adj.
Of or designating any of several styles of popular music which incorporate contemporary elements into an established genre (esp. hip-hop or house music); (also) designating a performer of such music. Cf. old school n. 2.
1992
poptastic, adj.
Designating or relating to a very good recording or performance of pop music. Also more generally: fantastic, excellent.
To see more birthday years, check out OED's birthday word generator.
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