15 More Social Media-Inspired Words That Are Now in the Dictionary. WDYT?

As a language, English has long been in a state of constant flux due to folks who insist on using words like “ain’t” and “finalize.” Purists may resist these changes at first, but inevitably these neologisms and odd turns of phrase will make their way into the mainstream and become accepted as legitimate English.

Back in January 2014, we posted a list of social media, website, and ecommerce-inspired words that had beaten the odds and wormed their way into the Oxford Dictionaries. Well, it looks like this internet thing might be here to stay, so here are some more digitally-influenced words and phrases that have recently joined the English collective.

Clickbait

Noun

Online article with a provocative (often controversial) headline, intended to get readers to click through to that website.

He says he’s a political blogger, but his posts are nothing but clickbait.

Concern Troll

Noun

Someone who expresses insincere concern about an issue to undermine or discourage genuine discussion.

The concern troll totally derailed the comments section with her hysterical “WON’T SOMEBODY THINK OF THE CHILDREN???” post.

Cyberwarrior

Noun

A computer expert who specializes in infiltrating or sabotaging information systems, or in protecting systems from outside attack.

With the increase in computer attacks, the government is scrambling to enlist cyberwarriors to fight back.

ICYMI

Abbreviation

“In case you missed it…” Used online to point out something noteworthy.

ICYMI, here’s a link to the latest Star Wars Episode VII trailer!

Listicle

Noun

An article that is presented wholly or partly in the form of a list.

I suppose, technically speaking, this blog post is a listicle.

Rage-quit

Verb

To angrily abandon an activity that has become frustrating, especially a video game.

I rage-quit Candy Crush Saga after getting stuck on level 350, and that’s why I need a new phone.

Redditor

Noun

A registered user of the website Reddit.

In a popular Ask Reddit thread on Tuesday, Redditors explained in excruciating detail why they feel J.J. Abrams has single-handedly destroyed the Star Wars and Star Trek franchises.

SMH

Abbreviation

“Shaking my head.” Used online to express disapproval, frustration, exasperation, etc.

SMH at the concern trolls in the comments section.

Selfie Stick

Noun

A rod on which a camera (or smartphone) can be mounted, allowing the person holding it to take a self-portrait from a wider angle.

Comic-Con organizers recently banned selfie sticks, claiming that “protruding cameras and phones sticking up in the air are a definite hazard.”

Subtweet

Noun

A post (on Twitter) that refers to a particular user without directly mentioning them. Typically done to mock or criticize someone without drawing their attention.

Even though I didn’t include her Twitter handle, she found out what I had posted and fired off a passive-aggressive subtweet of her own.

Upvote/Downvote

Verb

To register approval (upvote) or disapproval (downvote) of online content by means of a specific icon.

EnlightenMe.com recently added a thumbs up and a thumbs down icon, so you can upvote and downvote the content you read.

WDYT

Abbreviation

“What do you think?” Used online to solicit opinions.

IMHO*, saying you’re good at Candy Crush Saga is like saying you’re good at flipping coins… WDYT?

YOLO

Abbreviation

“You only live once.” Used online by annoying folks to justify their impulsive or reckless behavior. May also be used ironically by others to mock said annoying folks.

“…and then I drank a beer and stood up in the back seat of a convertible. YOLO, am I right?”