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Est. 1828
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Grammar & Usage
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Infographic: How a Word Gets Into the Dictionary

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This infographic is part of our series on slang in the dictionary. To read the article that accompanies this piece, click here.

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Popular

Word History

Words That Turned 100 in 2025

More Words with Remarkable Origins

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Eavesdrop, Fiasco, and 8 More Words with Surprising Origins

What does it mean to 'endorse' a presidential candidate?

See All

Wordplay

'Wassail', 'Yule', and More: The Stories Behind 8 Holiday Words

Ten Kinds of Happiness

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

17 Words for Dog Breeds

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

See All

Grammar & Usage

Should we say ‘elfs’ or ‘elves'?

How to Use 'Who' vs. 'Whom'

Is 'gift' really a verb?

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

'Buck Naked' or 'Butt Naked'?

See All
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