If there's an English word you think is used often enough ("lol" perhaps?) to warrant being in a dictionary, now you can submit the word to the publisher Collins for a chance to have it included in the Collins Dictionary website.
In an effort to make recorded English "more democratic," Collins is encouraging people to submit words and supply their own definitions for them. They will subsequently be reviewed by Collins's editors, and if they accept the word, the submitter will be credited on the Collins Dictionary site. Not only will they get their name associated with the term, the word will also be accompanied by the submitter's Twitter handle.
In terms of how the words will be judged, Wired reports that the editors will look at how frequent the word is used, along with the number of sources and the word's staying power. So far, the Collins team has already submitted words of their own, including "mantyhose and "twitlit."
Crowdsourced Dictionary Terms
Collins Dictionary Asks People to Submit New English Words
Trend Themes
1. Crowdsourced Dictionary - Opportunity for dictionary publishers to tap into the collective knowledge of the public and include more contemporary and commonly used words.
2. User-generated Definitions - Disruptive innovation potential for online dictionaries to leverage the wisdom of crowds by allowing users to contribute their own definitions.
3. Word Reviewing Process - Platform for dictionary publishers to implement a collaborative word reviewing system that considers usage frequency, sources, and staying power.
Industry Implications
1. Publishing - Publishing companies can utilize crowdsourcing to update and expand their dictionaries with words that reflect contemporary usage and cultural shifts.
2. Online Education - Online learning platforms can incorporate crowdsourced dictionaries to provide learners with up-to-date and relevant vocabulary definitions.
3. Social Media - Social media platforms can explore partnerships with dictionary publishers to integrate user-contributed words and definitions, enhancing the language capabilities of their platforms.