Merriam-Webster Dictionary has added 690 new words to its collection, many of which have been popularized by Gen Z. Among these additions are terms such as “Thirst trap,” “chef’s kiss,” “‘grammable,” and “beast mode.”
According to a news release from the dictionary, these new words and their definitions have now been included. Peter Sokolowski, Editor at Large at Merriam-Webster, expressed excitement about the new additions, stating, “We hope there is as much insight and satisfaction in reading them as we got from defining them.”
The list includes slang words like doggo, rizz, goated, bussin, and simp, among others. These words have gained widespread use over time, providing a glimpse into the contemporary world.
The release also highlighted the inclusion of social media terms like ‘grammable (meaning “suitable to be posted on Instagram”) and finsta (referring to a “secret or incognito account on the Instagram photo-sharing service”). Thirst trap, a term used to describe something or someone seeking attention, was also added to the dictionary.
Additionally, the term “beast mode” made the list, referring to an extremely aggressive or energetic style or manner temporarily adopted by someone, particularly an athlete. The list also includes food-related words, such as chef’s kiss, which refers to a gesture of satisfaction or approval made by kissing the fingertips of one hand and then spreading the fingers with an outward motion. Another food-related term, zhuzh, refers to a small improvement, adjustment, or addition that enhances the overall look or taste of something.
Other notable additions to the dictionary include UAP (unidentified aerial phenomenon), jorts (shorts made of denim or jeans), and abbreviations like TFW (that feeling when), ngl (not gonna lie), and TTYL (talk to you later).
These new words and phrases reflect the evolving nature of language, reflecting the current trends and dynamics of society.