Keeping up to date

The English language is constantly evolving as society changes, and this is reflected in some of the words being added to the Oxford English Dictionary.

So, what is Frankenfood when it’s at home? Deriving from Frankenstein, quite obviously, it is defined by the OED as:

Noun (derogatory): a food that contains genetically modified ingredients.

Other new entries include:

Prebuttal: noun (in politics) a response formulated in anticipation of a criticism; a pre-emptive rebuttal.

Meatspace: noun Computing the physical world as opposed to cyberspace or another virtual environment.

Lookism: noun Prejudice or discrimination on the grounds of appearance. DERIVATIVES lookist (noun & adjective).

Gaydar: noun informal A homosexual person’s ability to identify another person as homosexual by interpreting subtle signals conveyed by their appearance, interests, etc.

Grrrl: noun A young woman perceived as strong or aggressive, especially in her attitude to men or in her expression of feminine independence and sexuality

Screenager: noun A person in their teens or twenties who has an aptitude for computers and the Internet.

Blogosphere: noun informal Personal websites and weblogs collectively.

Metrosexual: noun informal A heterosexual urban man who enjoys shopping, fashion, and similar interests traditionally associated with women or homosexual men.

Mini-me: noun informal A person closely resembling a smaller or younger version of another.

Speed dating: noun An organized social activity in which people have a series of short conversations with potential partners in order to determine whether there is mutual interest.

Wiggle room: noun informal Limited capacity or scope for negotiation, especially in order to modify a previous statement or decision.

Threequel: noun The third film, book, event, etc. in a series; a second sequel.

Middle youth: noun The time of life between early adulthood and middle age.

Bumsters: noun plural Trousers that are cut very low on the hips.

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