Lexicographers search for new words in newspapers, social media, books and various other places in order to add to the dictionary. Lexicographers select new words by looking at different words’ meanings, origins and if they satisfy their criteria: popularity, understanding, longevity and usefulness. If a word meets these qualities, then lexicographers consider adding them into the dictionary.
When a word gains traction or widespread use among people, and everyone agrees on its meaning, then it is considered by lexicographers and they decide whether they will add it into the dictionary. If a word was to get added to the dictionary, it first has to have a meaning that is widely accepted by a community and is helpful with describing something or shortening a phrase. Lexicographers will look for a word in many places to see if it is not just a temporary word, they will also consider the consistency and context of use.
Another factor in adding a word to the dictionary is its staying power, which is its ability to stay relevant over a long period of time. If a word is popular but lexicographers do not think it has staying power, it would not be added to the dictionary because the word would not have much meaning in a couple of years, or even stop trending in a couple of days or weeks. Words must have some sort of staying power to be added because dictionaries are considered a way to look back on language and should have words that will endure and evolve the language. Some examples of words that have been added are “chef’s kiss” and “delulu.”
Lexicographers also consider a potential word’s usefulness for a general audience. A word is more likely to be added if it helps people describe or communicate something more clearly and easily. When smartphones became more common, the word “selfie” rose in popularity to describe a self-taken photo of someone or of a group.
In the end, dictionaries have a long process of adding words that can take months or even years. Dictionaries are vital for society to function because they hold the languages people speak and how they communicate with others. Dictionaries hold a language’s history and show in real time how language evolves and flourishes with every passing generation.