If modern jargon gives you ‘the ick’, you may be dismayed to learn that the Cambridge Dictionary has added 3,200 trendy terms this year.
The ick describes a sudden aversion to someone or something, often triggered by a specific trait.
The dictionary gives examples for the term, popularised by the reality show Love Island, including: ‘I used to like Kevin, but seeing him in that suit gave me the ick.’
The phrase ‘chef’s kiss’, which means something is perfect, also made the cut.
It refers to the gesture of kissing one’s fingers and then pulling the hand away as a culinary sign of approval.
The Cambridge Dictionary has added 3,200 new terms to its pages including ‘the ick’ and ‘boop’
‘The ick’ describes a sudden aversion to someone or something, usually brought on by a specific behaviour or trait (Stock Image)
Another entry is ‘IYKYK’ – ‘If you know, you know’ – used to imply an inside joke.
In addition, a ‘boop’, is a gentle touch on the nose or head as a sign of affection or humour, ‘face journey’ refers to the display of a sequence of emotions, and ‘porch piracy’ was coined for the theft of packages left outside homes.
New idioms include’ go over to the dark side’.
Gaming terminology has also been incorporated, such as ‘speedrun’ (completing a game or level quickly, often exploiting glitches) and ‘side quest’ (an ancillary activity within a game).
These phrases have started influencing everyday language, with ‘speedrun’ and ‘side quest’ now denoting rapid completion of tasks and secondary activities, respectively.
Gaming terminology such as ‘speedrun’ and ‘side quest’ have also been included in the dictionary (Stock Image)
Wendalyn Nichols, Cambridge Dictionary’s publishing manager, said: ‘Language is dynamic, changing right along with technology and culture.
‘Some new terms are added very quickly and others can take some time.
‘We try to identify words and uses that have proven staying power, rather than adding ones that might be short-lived.’