Editorial: A word smackdown

Friday, July 13, 2007 | 7:22 a.m.

I n what may be seen as a ginormous event for the English language, Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary is getting hip by adding words such as "ginormous," a cross between gigantic and enormous.

Of course, the dictionary's new words may also be seen as a "perfect storm," another addition, for the language.

There are 100 new entries in the dictionary's 2007 edition, including "crunk," a form of rap music; "microgreen," a shoot of a salad plant, such as celery or arugula; and "snowboardcross," a type of a snowboard race.

Before you can put the "smackdown" on the new entries - yes, the pro wrestling term made it in - consider that dictionaries merely mirror the times. In a 2005 online survey by Merriam-Webster, the word ginormous was voted as best word not in the dictionary. The dictionary's editors say these words are used often enough in mainstream writing to make the dictionary. In other words, they don't want the blame if you think they are spoiling the language.

If you are not hip, there are more formal sounding entries, such as "viewshed," the natural view from a property; "hardscape," structures such as fountains that are incorporated into landscaping; and "gray literature," printed material, such as a report, that is not published commercially or generally accessible.

Some of these new entries could be a windfall for Scrabble players - think of the point potential! - but the words will have to be approved first, and that will undoubtedly mean a fight.

There always is a fight among people who love the language when it comes to new words.

But before the smackdown starts, look up another new word: "nocebo," which is a harmless substance that when taken by a person causes harmful effects because of the person's negative expectations or psychological condition.

Could these entries be a nocebo for a language lover? Or are they just a ginormous headache?