"Unfriend" is Oxford's Word of the Year
"Unfriend" is Oxford's Word of the Year
Posted 11/16/2009 at 2:53pm
| by Bart Salisbury
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The modification of the English language, due to advances in technology, continues apace. The latest addition to the language, and “word of the year” in fact, is “unfriend.”
Unfriend, a verb that means “to remove someone as a ‘friend’ on a social networking site such as Facebook” is the New Oxford American Dictionary’s word of the year for 2009. A simple example of usage, according to the Dictionary: “I decided to unfriend my roommate on Facebook after we had a fight.”
Christine Lindberg, a Senior Lexicographer for Oxford’s U.S. dictionary program says the word “has both currency and potential longevity. Lindberg notes “most “un-” prefixed words are adjectives (unacceptable, unpleasant), and there are certainly some familiar “un-” verbs (uncap, unpack), but “unfriend” is different from the norm. It assumes a verb sense of “friend” that is really not used (at least not since maybe the 17th century!).” Unable to resist the pun, Lindberg adds: “Unfriend has real lex-appeal.”
Other new technology-generated words in competition for the award were “hashtag,” “intexticated,” “netbook,” “paywall,” and “sexting.”
Image Credit: Oxford University Press
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Erenox
November 16, 2009 at 3:08pm
So falls the great English language, it was indeed a fine run.
I am so sick of grading papers with kids writing entirely in "Text Speak". Not capitalizing i, using u for you, and even having the audacity to completely disregard the period. If you think this is an isolated incident or just the exaggeration of a school teacher you are sorely mistaken.
1337Goose
November 16, 2009 at 7:13pm
They say teachers are using purple pens now because red is detrimental to students' confidence. However, if I was ever to find "u" written in lieu of "you", I would probably whip out a red sharpie.
As for the purity of the English language, I don't think it's ever been "pure". After all, English is just an assortment of other languages. Perhaps Internet-speak is next in line for assimilation?
~Goose
Vegan
November 16, 2009 at 5:28pm
I've seen posts like that on messageboards, so bad that I can't even understand what they're saying... but are you seriously saying that they turn in school papers like that???
dag1992
November 16, 2009 at 5:05pm
I don't disagree at all that text speak is pretty much unacceptable within papers, but we are far from the fall of the "great" English language. One arbitrarily but together by a group of bishops and monks nonetheless; times change whether you like it or not. Should we all continue speaking in Old English or Shakespearian English? Surely not. Language changes with society.
nekollx
November 16, 2009 at 5:17pm
For sooth thou douth speak the truth, anon! Verily twoud be quite the deed were we still recording our thoughts on parchment in the King's English. And tis one for thought that in the future.
we may lok bak on englsh usd nao as archachic and useless as the King's Englsh, LOL!
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nekollx
November 16, 2009 at 3:11pm
a semi valid point, but i think it is the onus of the teachers to set the guides. Not those who look for what becomes frequently spoken to be ackoledge. Remember if the dictonary never changed Nigger would still be the word of choice for a Affrican American.
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Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Erenox
November 16, 2009 at 3:16pm
Not to sound like "Grammar Nazi", but based on your comment you have no right to comment on the degradation of the English language.
Don't even get me started on political correctness.
nekollx
November 16, 2009 at 3:19pm
I'm not writting a report for school now am I?
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I'm having a gay old time smoking a faggot with my nigger chum.(a perfectly inocent statement, more or less, in Mark Twain's time)
Erenox
November 16, 2009 at 3:26pm
My god, if only everyone would act like it.
And if you even suggest the modification of Mark Twain based on something that you find "offensive" I will lose more of my small amount of faith in humanity and the youth of America.
nekollx
November 16, 2009 at 3:28pm
Amen *holds out a carton of smokes "Care for a faggot?"
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Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Erenox
November 16, 2009 at 3:30pm
No thank you, I do not smoke.
And if I judge correctly you are not yet of legal age to have those in your possession.
nekollx
November 16, 2009 at 3:33pm
Good sir i am a Dandy and a Gentleman going on to my 30th summer, i'm pratically retired and have one foot already in the grave if i am not yet old enought to partake in a fine faggot when good sir would I?
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Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Erenox
November 16, 2009 at 3:34pm
Well at that ripe age it may be time to advance your politcal views a bit...
(See China censorship thread)
Caboose
November 16, 2009 at 3:47pm
And take some adult education classes to assist in your spelling and grammatical skills. Not you Erenox, nekollx.
I would have hoped that at 30 years of age, you would have learned how to properly spell, use grammar and punctuation. Just because you're "using teh intertubes" doesn't mean you can have complete disregard for the English language. I'm only 26 and I find your lack of respect for the English language appalling!
I find it very difficult to read, and take someone's opinion seriously when they use "txtspek". You simply look like a child trying to join in on an Adult conversation by saying "ME TOO! ME TOO!" and flailing wildly until someone notices you.
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
nekollx
November 16, 2009 at 3:50pm
If that makes you feel better, rant all you want. I have my reasons for the way I type, and have nothing to prove.
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Vegan
November 16, 2009 at 5:31pm
Your reasons? Wow, that just sounds sinister.
Well, okay then, as long as it's all just a part of your carefully contrived plot.
nekollx
November 16, 2009 at 3:06pm
un-derwhelming
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Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
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