But for some reason, of late, I've been finding myself defending the idea that languages are dynamic, and that spelling, grammar, meaning, exist in an ongoing tension of past convention and new invention. As a part of that is the idea that a dictionary is both prescriptive (creating bounds and rules for the words that exist and what they mean) and descriptive (reflecting how words are actually used).
So I look at the recent adds to the OED and part of me is going, "Really? 'Double denim' warranted an entry? 'Twerk' is part of the English language now? It's okay to write 'srsly', seriously?"
But that's where the descriptive function comes into play. _People are using these words, these terms._ Describing that doesn't mean they are "right" or "wrong" (if those words actually mean anything when it comes to new words), just that they are.
And, honestly, I'm willing to put up with the above examples if "squee" and "derp" and "omnishambles" are recognized in the OED. And if any or all of these fade from usage in a decade or two … well, that's part of language, too.
Buzzworthy words added to Oxford Dictionaries Online – squee!
We’ve just added some srsly buzzworthy words to our online dictionary – squee! With influences ranging from technology to fashion, there is something for