Merriam-Webster on Thursday announced it will add more than 5,000 new words and 1,000 new phrases when the 12th edition of the Collegiate Dictionary hits bookshelves on Nov. 18 — marking its first new volume in more than 20 years.
Among the terms being introduced are “rizz,” which refers to charisma or romantic appeal; “hard pass,” which describes a firm rejection; and “beast mode,” which the dictionary defines as “an extremely aggressive or energetic style or manner that someone adopts temporarily to overpower an opponent in a fight or competition.”
“Dad bod” and “dumbphone” are also among the official phrases being recognized by Merriam-Webster. The former refers to the “slightly overweight and not extremely muscular” physique of the average father, while “dumbphone” describes a cellphone that lacks the typical software features of today’s smartphones.
The company made room for its new words in its print edition by getting rid of two sections of the Collegiate Dictionary’s 11th edition that contained little-used biographical and geographical entries. Researchers seeking information that falls into those categories can still find what they need on Merriam-Webster’s website.
It’s been 22 years since the dictionary saw its last hard-copy update. Merriam-Webster, which traces its roots to 1831, no longer depends on print sales for a great deal of its revenue, instead relying mostly on its website, mobile apps, word games and social media channels.
“Over the last 10 years, our revenue has grown by nearly 500%, mostly from our digital products. But we still love books,” Greg Barlow, president of Merriam-Webster, said in a statement. “That’s why we’re so proud of the Twelfth Edition. This beautiful red dictionary may not be the biggest part of our business, but in many ways it’s the heart.”
Barlow promised that “for those who enjoy books and dictionaries, it will be a volume to cherish.”
The Twelfth Edition is currently available for preorder for $34.95.