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The Oxford English Dictionary Gets New Symbols and Catchphrases

The Oxford English Dictionary has some new updated features for the latest release of the world-renowned word list. The dictionary, which has a 127-year history, will receive its first graphical entry along with notable messaging lingo.

The Oxford English Dictionary will get the famous heart emoticon used by people on online messengers and mobile devices. The heart emoticon, which is recognized worldwide, became famous in the mid-70s through the iconic I "heart" New York t-shirts comprised by Milton Glaser. Also to be included in the updated version of the Oxford English Dictionary are common catchphrases and terms used in the tech and online messaging community. The list includes: OMG, Ego-surfing, Dotbomb and much more.

The Oxford English Dictionary has been going through an enduring process since 1989 to update its lexicon. The dictionary, which is now only featured online, felt it needed to add these new terms and emoticons due to the nature of online vocabulary.
Trend Themes
1. Graphical-text Integration - The inclusion of graphical elements in the Oxford English Dictionary opens up opportunities for integrating visual symbols with written language in other industries.
2. Messaging Slang Adoption - The recognition and inclusion of messaging lingo in the dictionary indicates a growing acceptance of informal communication styles, presenting opportunities for businesses to adopt and leverage slang in their messaging strategies.
3. Online Lexicon Evolution - The ongoing process of updating the dictionary's lexicon to reflect online vocabulary highlights the need for businesses to stay current with the ever-evolving digital language landscape.
Industry Implications
1. Communication Technology - The integration of graphical symbols and messaging lingo in the Oxford English Dictionary suggests opportunities for communication technology companies to develop innovative features and updates that enhance visual and informal communication.
2. Marketing and Advertising - The adoption of messaging slang by the dictionary highlights potential disruption in marketing and advertising industries, as businesses may need to incorporate informal language to effectively connect and engage with their target audiences.
3. Language Education - The evolving online lexicon showcased in the dictionary's updates presents opportunities for the language education industry to develop courses and materials that include modern slang and digital communication methods.

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