Unfriend is the 2009 Word of the Year
The New Oxford American Dictionary has named its 2009 Word of the Year: unfriend. For those who do not have kids, it's a verb that means "to remove someone as a ‘friend’ on a social networking site such as Facebook." An example from the dictionary: “I decided to unfriend my roommate on Facebook after we had a fight.”
Or, even better: "John McCain unfriended Sarah Palin after reading 'Going Rogue.' "
On the Oxford University Press blog, senior lexicographer Christine Lindberg said of unfriend, “It has both currency and potential longevity. ... Most “un-” prefixed words are adjectives (unacceptable, unpleasant), and there are certainly some familiar “un-” verbs (uncap, unpack), but “unfriend” is different from the norm. It assumes a verb sense of “friend” that is really not used (at least not since maybe the 17th century!). Unfriend has real lex-appeal.”
I think it's actually an elaborate joke by the Brits, honoring such an ungainly word for the American dictionary. I bet the British word of the year is much more chic, like "refoulement." (Then again, maybe not, considering the OED has updated its entry for "ape" by adding the subentries "apeshit" and "to go ape-shit.")
Why couldn't the WOTY be one of the others on the short list? I'd prefer "intexticated" -- distracted while texting and driving. Or "tramp stamp" – a tattoo on the lower back, usually on a woman.
Comments
I wasn't completely surprised at the use of the word. It's not the first time i have come across it anyhow. However, would it be wise to add the prefix...(un) to other words such as: birthday..............unbirthday; own..............unown; approved..............unapproved; work..............unwork. The list can definitely be longer.
Come to think about it, what about good, gooder, goodest.
And while we are on this, i wonder what they will call next year. Would it be 2k10 or 20/10 or 2k0 or 2kd? This year is called 2k9.
Posted by: Gerald Persaud | November 18, 2009 11:57 AM
Good to hear that. It is the complete update. since words are the matter of use as people use they give meaning. So it is not at all matter of discussion since language is the matter of understanding. Thank you for adding it in the Dictionary.
Posted by: Krishna Prasad Niroula | November 18, 2009 10:38 PM
I've always heard it/referred to it as "defriend" not "unfriend"
Posted by: Steven | November 19, 2009 2:08 PM
Yes, the word is de-friended. Didn't they do any research? Geez.
Posted by: Mike | November 20, 2009 3:19 PM
That term was invented by yours truly right here in Baltimore and featured last year in the Wall Street Journal.
Read me here:
http://www.rambleonron.com/?p=471
Posted by: Ron Samuelson | November 26, 2009 3:45 PM