Part of my Language-Loving Soul Died Today

Devastating News


Part of my soul died today. My cousin sent me this link today, that took me to the most devastating news. "w00t" is the word of the year, according to Merriam-Webster. I'm sadly disappointed in the rising generation. MW bases their candidates for this "prestigious" award, on the most searched for words. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of language creation, but to what extent? The only comforting fact, in the article, is Global Language Monitor's list. "Hybrid" topped their list, thankfully.

This leads to interesting questions. Do I say that "google" is a verb, but not "facebook"? And if I can facebook someone, can I "myspace" someone? If not, why? In the spirit of understanding the rising generation, I've gone to urbandictionary.com to see what the Word of the Day. Today's is w00t. Interesting...I wonder if that's just a coincidence, or if they chose that word based on the MW findings? Yesterday's word: "wi-five," or "a high five that doesn't involve actually contact, normally over a long distance where a real high-five isn't possible." They further explain that it's a combination of "wireless" and "high-five." I'm glad they explained that, I'd have never understood. Monday's word is even better, it's "compunicate" or "When you are in the same room with someone, each on separate computers, and you talk via Instant Messenger instead of speaking to them out loud, in person." I've done that. I admit that I'm guilty of compunicating.

It's interesting to see what is being created. Maybe there is hope for the world, but when words like "w00t" earn the word of the year title, it makes you wonder...