10 Slang Words That Shouldn't Be In The Oxford Dictionary
Earlier this week, the company that publishes the Oxford Dictionary revealed that the following words will be added this year: "binge-watch," "side-eye," and—gulp—"amazeballs." But the strangest word that will show up in the Oxford Dictionary in 2014 is, without a doubt, "YOLO."
We can only presume that it's being added to the Oxford lexicon because, well, YOLO! But still…YOLO? We blame you for this, Drake. YOLO isn't the only ridiculous slang word that has been added to Oxford in recent years. So in light of Drake's battle cry making the cut this year, we took a look back at some other terms that have been recognized thanks to pop culture.
1
11
2
11
The Slang Word: Twerk
The Definition: "Dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2013
Who We Blame For It: Miley Cyrus
By including this word, the Oxford Dictionary basically gave everyone's parents the permission to use it. No one needs that.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
3
11
The Slang Word: Catfish
The Definition: "Lure someone into a relationship by means of a fictional online persona"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2014
Who We Blame For It: Nev Schulman
"Catfish" was already in the dictionary before Nev came along. And while we love the MTV show, it didn't really need another definition. Especially one that has already run its course.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
4
11
The Slang Word: Crunk
The Definition: "Very excited or full of energy"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2007
Who We Blame For It: Lil Jon
Despite what Jon might try to tell you, crunk is dead. (Sidebar: Don't even think of adding "Turn Down For What" next year, Oxford)
Photo Credit: Getty Images
5
11
The Slang Word: Selfie
The Definition: "A photograph that one has taken of oneself, typically one taken with a smartphone or webcam and shared via social media"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2013
Who We Blame For It: Kim Kardashian
If you're mad that Kim K. has a new "selfie" book coming out, blame Oxford.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
6
11
The Slang Word: Hot mess
The Definition: "A person or thing that is spectacularly unsuccessful or disordered"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2014
Who We Blame For It: The hood
Because calling someone "a mess" wasn't enough for Oxford?
Photo Credit: Getty Images
7
11
The Slang Word: Bromance
The Definition: "A close but nonsexual relationship between two men"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2010
Who We Blame For It: Brody Jenner
The MTV show Bromance only lasted for a single season. There's a reason for that.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
8
11
The Slang Word: Boo
The Definition: "A person's boyfriend or girlfriend"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2012
Who We Blame For It: Usher and Alicia Keys
OMG, we just realized that it's only a matter of time before "bae" is in the Oxford Dictionary.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
9
11
The Slang Word: Hella
The Definition: "Extremely"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2012
Who We Blame For It: Every Bay Area rapper
We give Oxford props for randomly showing love to the Bay. But to use another new Oxford slang word, "srsly"?
Photo Credit: Getty Images
10
11
The Slang Word: Cray
The Definition: "Crazy"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2014
Who We Blame For It: Kanye West
Does anyone actually use this word anymore? Even using it in an ironic way is old. Oxford is three years late on this one.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
11
11
The Slang Word: Bling
The Definition: "Expensive, ostentatious clothing and jewelry, or the wearing of them"
Added To The Oxford Dictionary In: 2003
Who We Blame For It: B.G.
We were excited to see this word make the cut a decade ago. But it was the first of many words that became corny immediately after the Oxford Dictionary recognized it. Stop ruining a good thing, Oxford.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
The Vibe Mix Newsletter
All things VIBE.
Daily - Straight to your inbox.
Whoops!
All things VIBE.
You have signed up and will start receiving the Vibe Mix Newsletter immediately.
