Merriam-Webster Adds Cryptocurrency, Kombucha & Life-hack To Its Dictionary Lexicon

With the everchanging nature of the English language, it is only right that Merriam-Webster is continually adding to its dictionary lexicon.

The reference book publisher and owner of the leading digital dictionary recently announced the addition of 850 new words to its 470,000 strong collection. Covering a plethora of categories, the latest additions are largely based on the developments we saw last year with some words coming a tad later than realized. Some notable words include ever pervasive “cryptocurrency,” Twitter-specific “subtweet” and surprisingly late “dark-chocolate.”

Check out some of the new words added below and head over to Merriam-Webster for a full list of additions.

Also, learn why “feminism” was Merriam-Webster’s 2017 Word of the Year.

Bandwidth: The emotional or mental capacity necessary to do or consider something.

Blockchain: A digital database containing information (such as records of financial transactions) that can be simultaneously used and shared within a large decentralized, publicly accessible network.

Case-sensitive: Requiring correct input of uppercase and lowercase letters.

Cryptocurrency: Any form of currency that only exists digitally, that usually has no central issuing or regulating authority but instead uses a decentralized system to record transactions and manage the issuance of new units.

Dark-chocolate: Chocolate that is dark in color and contains a high percentage cocoa and cocoa butter, usually no milk, and varying amounts of sugar.

Dumpster fire: An utterly calamitous or mismanaged situation or occurrence.

Glamping: Outdoor camping with amenities and comforts (such as beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing) not usually used when camping.

Hate-watch: To watch and take pleasure in laughing at or criticizing (a disliked television show, movie, etc.).

Kombucha: A somewhat effervescent beverage prepared by fermenting kombucha with black or green tea and sugar.

Life-hack: A usually simple and clever tip or technique for accomplishing some familiar task more easily and efficiently.

Self-care: Care for oneself.

Silver alert: A widely publicized bulletin that alerts the public when an elderly person or a person with a cognitive disability goes missing.

Subtweet: A usually mocking or critical tweet that alludes to another Twitter user without including a link to the user’s account.

Unicorn: A start-up that is valued at one billion dollars or more.

Welp: Used informally like well (as to introduce a remark expressing resignation or disappointment).

Wordie: A lover of words.

Yorkie-poo: A dog that is a cross between a Yorkshire terrier and a poodle and especially a miniature or toy poodle.