New Words Added to the Dictionary

Every year, new words are added to the dictionary to represent the changing trends and fads. But, I have to say, this year's selection of words added to dictionary.com are a bit concerning!

Here are a couple of my favs:

basic: characterized by predictable or unoriginal style, interests, or behavior.

completionist: a player who attempts to complete every challenge and earn every achievement or trophy in a video game.

dark web: the portion of the Internet that is intentionally hidden from search engines, uses masked IP addresses, and is accessible only with a special web browser.

dox: to publish the private personal information of (another person) without the consent of that individual.

esports: competitive tournaments of video games.

gesture: a particular movement of the fingers or hand over a screen, used to control or interact with a digital device.

haptics: the study or use of tactile sensations and the sense of touch as a method of interacting with computers and electronic devices.

hyperlocal: focused on a very small geographical community, as a neighborhood.

lifehack: a tip, trick, or efficient method for doing or managing a day-to-day task or activity.

microaggression: a subtle but offensive comment or action directed at a minority or other nondominant group that is often unintentional or unconsciously reinforces a stereotype.

permadeath: (in a game, often a video game) the permanent death of a defeated character, after which the player of the game cannot continue with the same character.

ship: to take an interest in a romantic relationship between fictional characters or famous people.

slacktivism: actions taken to bring about political or social change but requiring only minimal commitment, effort, or risk: students engaging in slacktivism by signing an online petition.

smartwatch: a computing device that resembles a wristwatch and is attached to a band worn around the wrist.

Hmmmmmmm, right?!  But, you might be hearing some of these words around town (or the internet) so, you had better learn them!