Dictionary.com has added a slew of new words to their database. The additions are said to reflect today's modern world and how dictionaries go about in the digital age.
TIME reported that Dictionary.com added the new words last week. The online reference's CEO Liz McMillan described how they are incorporating algorithm and editorial discretion on deciding which words should be included in the database. The process is described as "algorithm first and human second."
"We get over 5.5 billion word lookups every year, and we analyze those lookups to identify new words that we haven't seen before," McMillan said. "And when we see a critical mass of volume against a particular word, our lexicography team will start researching."
Earlier this year, the word "cisgender," which is a descriptor of people who are not transgender, was added to Dictionary.com. Other identity-focused words were also added such as "ze," which is a gender neutral pronoun, "misgender," which is what happens when someone is referred to with the wrong gender," and "panromantic," which describes a person who is romantically attracted to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
The latest additions are "woke" (being actively aware of systemic injustices and prejudices) and "intersectionality" (the theory that the overlap of several social identities can contribute to the specific type of systemic oppression and discrimination that an individual can experience.
In another report by TIME, it was revealed that "Pokemon" was added on Jul. 19. The word can now be used to describe "a media franchise including video games, animated television series, movies, card games, etc. that depict a fictional class of pet monsters and their trainers" or "a pet monster in this fictional world."
According to NY Daily News, Dictionary.com lexicographer Jane Solomon revealed that Brexit and Black Lives Matter would soon be added in an upcoming update. She also shared her thoughts on whether emoji can take over words.
"I don't think emojis will supplant words," she said. "Emoji as a supplement to words. It's adding tone to written communication. But words won't be replaced."
