The dictionary isn't set in stone. As language evolves, so does the dictionary. But just because a word has been added to a dictionary doesn’t mean it’s new to that year. It means that the usage is significant enough for the dictionary to take note. In 2019, Merriam-Webster added words that stem from the ever-increasing pace of technology, how we relate to one another, and new compound terms.
Gig Economy
It's a recent addition, but it seems ubiquitous now. Can you remember a time when there wasn’t a ride-sharing app installed on your phone? Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a prime example of the new "gig economy," which refers to economic activities that involve the use of temporary or freelance workers to perform jobs, typically in the service sector. This also includes grocery-shopping services, delivery services, and platforms like Upwork and TaskRabbit, where people are hired for tasks with no expectation of regular work or full-time employment.
Surgeries
Social terms are becoming much more inclusive with the sweeping changes being made in gender politics throughout the world. "Top surgery" and "bottom surgery" are no longer just colloquialisms to refer to the different types of gender reassignment surgery. The terms are officially recognized procedures in the Merriam-Webster dictionary.
Latinx
"Latinx" was also added in 2019 to be inclusive for people of Hispanic descent who do not wish to identify as Latina or Latino, which are gendered words.
Screen Time
New terms can indicate how technology is changing the meaning of pre-existing words. "Unplug" used to mean removing an electrical plug from an outlet, but it now means to take time away from the never-ending carousel of social media and the 24-hour news cycle. This can give people a much-needed break from "screen time," or how much time they spend in front of screens, be it a computer, phone, tablet, or television. "Screen time" used to mean how much time an actor got on the screen, but it's now used more by parents who are monitoring their children's exposure to screens.
Buzzy
Then there are the fun additions like "buzzy," which is an adjective used to describe something that is being talked about a lot, or generating buzz, as in “That new movie is buzzy. I keep hearing great reviews!”
Swole
"Swole" is commonly used in reference to a muscular person, as in, “I just completed a six-week weightlifting program and got so swole.” You can also use it to imply that you will soon be very muscular, as in “I’m gonna get swole after Christmas, bro.”
When a dictionary officially recognizes new words, you're watching the evolution of language as it grows with society. Plus, you have even more words to choose from when playing Words with Friends!