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November 17, 2009
Way to go, Oxford dictionary
Myspace is 4 losers, originally uploaded by Mulia.
I salute the Oxford New American Dictionary, I really do. They try to drum up support for the ever-evolving English language through their "Word of the Year," which almost always has something quibble-worthy about it.
Last year's word was "hypermiling," which is cool and all but is not exactly something a lot of people say. Another dictionary named "truthiness" as its word of the year a few years ago, again despite the fact nobody really says that. Same goes for "locavore."
This year, the dictionary chose "unfriend," which of course is the act of erasing somebody from one's Facebook or Myspace list of friends. Now, again, here's the problem: nobody says unfriend. It's "defriend."
This is a serious breach of protocol by the dictionary people. I would assume the average person views a dictionary editor as nerdy, out-of-touch, and decidedly uncool. So what better way for dictionary folk to get hip than to start tossing around the newest slang?
Well, way to go, they even messed that up. Their choosing unfriend instead of defriend is akin to walking into a party, and asking for some "reefer." Nobody says reefer anymore! Thus, that particular partygoer has given himself away as hopelessly uncool, or possibly a narc. Obviously the dictionary isn't in the business of narcing, but you see my point.
You suck, Oxford Dictionary.
entry no. 1414
Posted at November 17, 2009 12:08 PM