Topic: Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary has added several new words, including "Cubano," "real talk," and the British slang "faffy." Meanwhile, in the United Kingdom, a couple was arrested by six police officers for comments made in a private WhatsApp group regarding their daughter's school. The incident has raised significant concerns about the state of free speech and the policing of "malicious communications" in Britain.

Modern dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, have updated the definition of "decimate" to include widespread destruction. Historically, the term referred specifically to the removal of one-tenth of a group. Linguists note that the word is now commonly accepted as a synonym for "devastate," reflecting changes in popular usage over time.

The evolution of the word "irregardless" in modern dictionaries is discussed following a clip of Megyn Kelly using the term. While Merriam-Webster now recognizes it as a word due to 200 years of usage, the Oxford English Dictionary still advises against its use by "careful users." The segment also touches on the fact that dictionaries are copyrighted works, requiring each publisher to write unique definitions.

The new Merriam-Webster definition of racism is criticized for being recursive by using the word racism within its own definition. Dictionaries are copyrighted works that require specific documentation and proof for every entry, making the Oxford English Dictionary the primary authority for linguistic standards.

A discussion on the mechanics of the publishing industry suggests that high-profile authors often use ghostwriters who may inadvertently plagiarize material. An interesting legal detail is revealed: dictionaries are copyrighted, meaning new word definitions must be rewritten to avoid infringement. The segment explains that minor plagiarism claims are often settled quietly through small licensing fees paid by agents or publishers.