Yo, Yo, Word Up Bro: Dictionary adds new slang

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 17, 2026

Merriam-Webster has added about 1,400 new words and phrases to its dictionary, including internet slang like “looksmaxxing” and “Rickroll” as well as terms such as “California sober” and “Mandela effect.” This update underscores the dictionary’s effort to reflect changing language influenced by social media and cultural trends, capturing both established and emerging expressions.

Merriam-Webster has expanded its dictionary with the addition of approximately 1,400 new words and phrases, reflecting evolving language trends influenced largely by internet culture and social media. The latest update includes terms that range from long-established expressions to recent slang that has gained widespread recognition.

Among the new entries are internet-born slang such as “looksmaxxing,” which refers to efforts to maximize one’s physical attractiveness, and “Sunday scaries,” a phrase describing pre-Monday anxiety. Other additions include “California sober,” defined as abstaining from alcohol while using cannabis or psychedelics like LSD, and the “Mandela effect,” a phenomenon where groups of people collectively misremember facts or events.

Some inclusions sparked debate among social media users. For instance, the definition of “California sober” was challenged by an Instagram user who argued that the term does not encompass alcohol use, in contrast to the dictionary’s description. Another notable addition is “Rickroll,” a term for the internet prank involving unexpectedly playing Rick Astley’s 1987 song “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The delay in its formal recognition surprised some, given its origin nearly two decades ago.

Merriam-Webster’s process for incorporating new words involves monitoring usage and assessing whether terms have achieved broad understanding and frequent use across English speakers. Dictionary editors gather examples of words in various contexts, building citations that document their real-world application. This evidences the evolving nature of language and the dictionary’s role in capturing contemporary speech patterns.

The inclusion of both enduring terms and recent slang reflects the dictionary’s effort to provide a comprehensive snapshot of modern communication. Editors note that many words now considered mainstream were once emerging slang, citing earlier additions like “bucket list” and “sexting” as examples of popular terms that transitioned into everyday vocabulary. The latest expansion highlights the ongoing interaction between language and cultural trends shaped by digital media platforms.

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