New Words In The Dictionary, Department Stores Changing, Nuclear Power In Wisconsin

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Traditional department stores have seen a drop in revenue in recent years, and many are looking into new ideas to turn the trend around. Our guest explains how retail giants are evolving to meet shoppers’ needs. We also review some of the newest additions to the American Heritage Dictionary, and in light of a proposal to lift the ban on new nuclear power plants in Wisconsin, we find out if that’s the best clean energy option.

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  • Know What A 'Humblebrag' Is? A 'Listicle'? New Words Added To American Heritage Dictionary

    The American Heritage Dictionary recently expanded a few pages to accommodate its annual addition of words: Welcome home “bibimbop,” “humblebrag,” “listicle,” “doxx” and “zarf.”

    Steve Kleinedler, the dictionary’s executive editor, said each year the dictionary adds several hundred new words and revises the definitions of others.

    Words enter the lexicon in different ways, Kleinedler said. Sometimes it’s easy, like when scientists discover and assign a name to a newly discovered chemical. But, it’s usually more complicated than that — especially when looking at culinary influences.

    Julia Child popularized French cuisine decades ago here in the U.S. It was then that French terminology began entering the English language through her cooking books and television shows.

    In a similar vein, said Kleinedler, over the past decade with the rise of cooking shows on cable channels, there’s been an expansion to what Americans are being exposed to. As a result, he said, a lot of terminology enters the language that way.

    A good example of that is bibimbap, a korean rice dish that is served with egg and chili paste and vegetables in a hot stone bowl that so hot it still cooks while it’s being served to someone.

    “Whereas 15 or 20 years ago,” said Kleinedler, “bibimbap would probably only be found in Korean neighborhood and restaurants.”

    The fact that newspapers now use the word without explaining what it is assumes that the vast majority of readers are already familiar with the dish — another indication that the word is a good candidate for entering the dictionary.

    Technology always has a way of manufacturing new words. It happened during the Industrial Revolution, the space race and it certainly underway again with the age of the internet. Although a lot of the terminology people use in computer systems are just borrowed words — edit, copy, paste, window and mouse — to name just a few.

    A pair of words entering the dictionary this year have their roots in internet culture. They include listicle, an article that is written in a form of a numbered list, and doxx or dox, which came to prominence during the Gamergate controversy.

    Other words received new meanings. You know that cardboard sleeve around the coffee cup? According to the American Heritage Dictionary, it is officially referred to as a zarf. It’s an old Arabic word that in the past referred to a ornamental metal holding that wrapped around hot tea cups in the Middle East. They’re much more elaborate, works of art even, compared to what you get at starbucks.

    Here are the official definitions for a few of this year’s inductees from the American Heritage Dictionary:

    • bibimbop: A Korean dish of rice topped by cooked, seasoned vegetables such as spinach, carrots, and mushrooms, and often red pepper paste, sliced beef or other meat, and a raw or fried egg. The ingredients are mixed together by the diner before eating, often in a hot stone bowl.

    • humblebrag: A superficially modest or self-deprecating statement that is clearly intended to impress others.

    • listicle: An article or essay written in the form of a numbered list.

    • doxx (also dox): To publically disclose the identity, address, or other personal details of someone, especially as a form of online harassment.

    • zarf new sense: A cardboard sleeve fitted around a hot, disposal beverage container. (original sense: A chalice like holder for a hot coffee cup, typically made of ornamental metal.)

  • New Additions To The American Heritage Dictionary

    Each edition of a dictionary includes new additions. We talk with the executive editor of the American Heritage Dictionary about what made the cut for their fifth edition.

  • How Department Stores Are Changing

    Department stores like Macy’s have seen declining revenue quarter after quarter. A retail expert looks at recent trends and explains why he doesn’t think department stores are dying–he says they’re just in a transition period.

  • Is Nuclear Energy Wisconsin's Best Clean Energy Bet?

    Wisconsin lawmakers are considering lifting the ban on new nuclear power plants in the state. We find out if nuclear is the best way to go to meet clean energy mandates, or if there are safer and less expensive options available.

Episode Credits

  • Rob Ferrett Host
  • Veronica Rueckert Host
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Amanda Magnus Producer
  • Steve Kleinedler Guest
  • Jerry O'Brien Guest
  • Gary Radloff Guest

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