Reflecting our Culture

This funky website has words that are being considered for entry into the Merriam-Webster dictionary. This month’s entry has some that spark my interest:
metanoia (noun) : a transformative change of heart; especially : a spiritual conversion. Gotta remember that to tell my priest, Karen. I think she’ll be impressed, if I use it in a sentence… don’t you think?
peeps (noun), plural [by shortening & alteration] slang : human beings making up a group or assembly or linked by a common interest. My step daughter, Julie, is going to love this! She uses it regularly to describe those she loves. I’m one of her ‘peeps’. Nearly official, I think this means we can use it for Scrabble.
spyware (noun) : software that is installed in a computer without the user’s knowledge and that transmits information about the user’s computer activities over the Internet. I’m sad there’s a world where spyware is prevalent. Just seems wrong that something as innocent as exchanging information over the Internet is being ruined by malicious acts like spyware. Will someone please protect us from this kind of crime? Symantec, we need you, come to the rescue!

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  1. That’s a fun link!
    I always think of Merriam-Webster as a very stodgy, old-line company, but their newsletter/blog is surprisingly informal and fun. I really like their “words of the month” lists, which are driven by how often words are looked up in their online dictionary.
    COnsidering current world and governmental events, I was surprised that “incompetent” didn’t show up on the list. But maybe everyone already knows hos to spell it. 😉

  2. I got a shout-out! I’m very flattered. I do so hope Merriam-Webster has considered “shout-out” for inclusion into their dictionary. It’s important to stay current with the times. You’ve got to keep moving, like a shark, or you die. Unless you’re a dictionary. Then you have to keep printing, or you die.
    I’m pretty sure my analogy just died.

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