US dictionary adds 1,400 words, including neckbeard, trash panda and cuffing season

September 16, 2026

Merriam-Webster, America's oldest dictionary publisher, has expanded its lexicon by adding 1,400 new words that reflect contemporary language usage and cultural trends. The additions span various categories, including internet slang like "rickroll" and "neckbeard," food-related terms such as "bao" and "chili crisp," and social phenomena like "cuffing season" and "Sunday scaries. " According to the publisher, these new entries demonstrate widespread usage over time and provide insight into modern society.

Who is affected

English language speakers and users, particularly in the United States
Merriam-Webster dictionary users and readers
People who use contemporary slang, internet terminology, and modern cultural references
Language learners and educators
Writers, journalists, and content creators who rely on dictionary standards

What action is being taken

Merriam-Webster is adding 1,400 new words to its dictionary
The publisher is preparing to name its word of the year in the next few months

Why it matters

This addition matters because dictionaries serve as authoritative references for language standards and legitimize evolving vocabulary in formal contexts. By documenting contemporary terms ranging from internet culture to culinary language, Merriam-Webster acknowledges how language naturally evolves to reflect societal changes, technological advancement, and cultural shifts. These additions help bridge the gap between informal everyday speech and formal written language, making the dictionary more relevant and useful for modern communication.

What's next

Merriam-Webster is expected to name its word of the year in the next few months

Read full article from source: BBC