Some Shorter new words

As has been noted in other places, technology and environmental concerns have been just two of several lexicographical areas that have been fertile sources for neologisms. The increasing concern with climate change and green has led to the word carbon having some additional combinations, such as carbon footprint, carbon–neutral, and carbon (or emission) trading. Companies and businesses in the last five years have started carrying out green audits into the impact they have upon the environment.

On the technological front, it is all about nano—nanocomputer, nanomaterial (a material of nanoscale dimensions or produced by nanotechnology), nanoparticle, and nanowire. We are concerned with biosecurity and darknets full of illegal WAV files; we do enjoy, though, browsing in our favourite cybershop, or participating in a webinar.

Less seriously (or more, if you're that way inclined), the world of celebrity is also making its presence felt within the Shorter. There is the inclusion of WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends, usually of sportmen), Doctor Who fans are officially titled Whovians, and the worst thing to happen to a celebrity is to be papped – to have their photo taken without permission or their hair ready. And of course, everybody wishes that they had the elusive X factor needed for fame and fortune.

Colloquialisms are emerging as swiftly as expected, playing with the English language in fascinating and often funny ways. For example, one wouldn't want to be known for being a knuckle–dragger (loutish or stupid, usually refers to men) or for driving a Chelsea tractor (a large 4x4 used primarily in urban areas), except if it was possibly driven by a yummy mummy (a young, stylish, and attractive mother). If getting stressed by leviathan vehicles blocking the roads, you may well be advised to take a chill pill before you go fruit loop (mad). At work, it could be exciting to be made a member of a tiger team (a team of specialists brought together to work on a specific tasks), although it wouldn't be for the best if you did not have a scooby (a chiefly Scottish term for having no idea).

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