The Urban Dictionary: What is it?
The Urban Dictionary is a popular online resource that catalogs slang words and phrases that are not typically found in traditional dictionaries. It is a user-generated platform where anyone can submit new entries or definitions to share with the world.
Why is the Urban Dictionary important?
The Urban Dictionary plays a crucial role in capturing the evolution of language in real-time. It reflects the ever-changing nature of slang and how it is shaped by culture, technology, and social trends.
Examples of Urban Dictionary entries
- FOMO: Fear Of Missing Out – the anxiety that an exciting or interesting event may currently be happening elsewhere.
- Hangry: A state of anger or irritability caused by hunger.
- Thirsty: Desperate or overly eager, especially for attention or validation.
Case Studies
One notable case study is the word “selfie,” which was added to the Urban Dictionary in 2003. Since then, it has become widely accepted in mainstream language and even added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013.
Statistics
The Urban Dictionary boasts over 8 million definitions and receives millions of visitors each month. It has become a go-to resource for understanding contemporary language and cultural trends.
