How often do you really think about the words you use? The people at Merriam-Webster have been paying attention to what we say. And they've added 100 new entries to the college dictionary. Surprised by some of the entries, WFMZ's Jackie Shutack went out in search of the meanings.
  >> Reporter: Every year Webster's adds many new words to its dictionary. Some you've probably never heard of, others you're probably using in your daily conversations." >> "Do you know what air quotes means? >>The air quotes thing." >> "Do you know what Texas Hold 'Em is? >>No. >>Take a guess. >>Poker? >>Yes!" >> Reporter: Most of the words fall under one of three categories. Let's start with the first one. It's pretty obvious...words pertaining to technology. >> "Netroots - i assume it's the way politicians reach people on the internet? That's pretty much it - grassroots political activists who communicate via the internet, especially by blogs." >> Reporter: "Alright let's try the next category - medical words." >> "Do you know what a norovirus is? A computer virus? Any of a genus of small round single-stranded RNA viruses; specifically, Norwalk virus. Like the viruses on the cruise ships." >> Reporter: "The third and final category - food words." >> "Do you guys know what edamame is? The beans! they are Japanese!" >> "The soybean, the plant in the pod." >> "Do you know what a pescatarian is? No. A Presbyterian? Vegetarians eat...vegetables. So a pescaterian eats...pests? No, fish!" >> "Really? They've classified it now? Good Stuff!" >> Reporter: Every year - roughly 100 new words make it into the book...who knows what we'll say this year that will be printed in 2009. In Allentown, Jackie Shutack, 69 News.

( Video won't play? CLICK HERE for some helpful suggestions )

---

e-mail story | print view | rss feeds | wireless | google desktop | podcast