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Tweeps, Vajazzles and photobombs: the newest slang additions to the dictionary

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Slang from social media and phrases from reality TV shows have become the latest additions to the Oxford English Dictionary online – prompting parents to ask: should slang REALLY be in the dictionary?

The dictionary’s latest additions have been heavily influenced by social media and the internet, as tweeps (Twitter-peeps), OH (other half) and photobombing all make it into online history.

Whilst it’s not news that these new words are now common-place, parents might be concerned that kids are picking up on this new slang and some might argue that we should be encouraging children to speak properly.

Are you a little shocked that text and slang-speak is making its way into dictionaries? Do you think it’s going to encourage more kids to use them?

Here’s 10 new word definitions you need to know:

Date night: A prearranged occasion on which an established couple, especially one with children, go for a night out together.
Hat tip: (In online contexts) used as an acknowledgement that someone has brought a piece of information to the writer's attention, or provided the inspiration for a piece of writing.
Lifecasting: the practice of broadcasting a continuous live flow of video material on the internet which documents one's day-to-day activities.
Mansion tax: A tax levied on residential properties worth more than a certain amount.
Micro pig: A pig of a very small, docile, hairless variety, sometimes kept as a pet.
Mwahahaha (exclamation): Used to represent laughter, especially manic or cackling laughter such as that uttered by a villainous character in a cartoon or comic strip.
OH: A person's wife, husband, or partner (used in electronic communication).
Photobomb: Spoil a photograph of (a person or thing) by suddenly appearing in the camera’s field of view as the picture is taken, typically as a prank or practical joke.
Tweeps: A person's followers on the social networking site Twitter.
Vajazzled: To adorn the pubic area (of a woman) with crystals, glitter or other decoration.

Would you be upset if your kids started using slang? And do you think that slang should be left out of the dictionary, or should we embrace the changes in language?

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