Of fanboys and wing nuts

Sunday, July 13, 2008 | 2:07 a.m.

For logophiles, some of the new words and phrases going into Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary might be enough to push them to take a mental health day. Understandably so.

Dictionary editors have sprinkled a bit of American culture into the lexicon. Among the choice bon mots are:

• “Air quotes,” the annoying finger motions some people make to put emphasis on a word or phrase.

• “Fanboy,” a young male devotee, typically of comic books or movies.

• “Mental health day,” time off for people who claim they need a day away from the stress of work.

• “Pescatarian,” a vegetarian who eats fish.

To the purist, these may be the linguistic equivalents of “malware,” a new dictionary entry defining harmful computer software. However, the new words are simply a reflection of the times.

For example, America’s robust culinary interest was recognized with the addition of “edamame,” “juvenile soybeans” and “soju,” a Korean vodka distilled from rice. The fascination with gambling and its expansion led to the inclusion of “racino,” a racetrack casino, and the poker game “Texas Hold ’em,” popularized by TV and the World Series of Poker. America’s fears and frustrations are also noted with entries for “dirty bomb,” “Norovirus” and “subprime,” as in the infamous subprime mortgages.

None of the new words is really new. Editors review and record word usage by scouring books, magazines and newspapers to find potential entries. It may take years for a word to be accepted. One editor said that before being included words must become (start air quotes) naturalized citizens of the language (end air quotes).

That is hardly the ranting of a “wing nut,” a new entry defined as someone who “advocates extreme measures or changes.” Dictionary editors started tracking the use of “wing nut” around 1900. Some of the new entries are odd, most we’ll probably never use, but they are welcome. They demonstrate the wonderful dynamism of the English language, which is part of its curious beauty.