When does a word become official? Perhaps it's when it makes the Oxford English Dictionary, which just added some 900 new words and meanings to its ever-growing stable of terms, which now has surpassed the 45,000 mark. Even sets of initials that have become so common have now been added, such as LOL (laugh out loud), BFF (best friends forever), and one of my least favorites, OMG (Oh, my G-- or gosh) are part of this ever-growing lexicon. These are common shortcuts that are used in the text and e-mail world.
The Associated Press has the scoop.
The newest edition also uses the word, "heart" as a verb, presumably as in, "I heart so-and-so", instead of the word, "love".
Words are powerful tools, and can communicate a variety of facts and emotions. And, it's important to freshen up our vocabulary. But, as Christians, we are cautioned to use our words wisely. James 3:2 says," For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well."
Jesus said that improper thoughts and emotions negatively influence the words we speak - perhaps there are negative words that flow from areas in our hearts that need to be dealt with. Choosing words wisely and eliminating idle or useless words from our vocabulary can be helpful as we seek to comply with the Scriptural admonition to speak the truth in love. What are we adding to, or subtracting from, our vocabulary that can bring us in greater conformity to Christ?
The Associated Press has the scoop.
The newest edition also uses the word, "heart" as a verb, presumably as in, "I heart so-and-so", instead of the word, "love".
Words are powerful tools, and can communicate a variety of facts and emotions. And, it's important to freshen up our vocabulary. But, as Christians, we are cautioned to use our words wisely. James 3:2 says," For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well."
Jesus said that improper thoughts and emotions negatively influence the words we speak - perhaps there are negative words that flow from areas in our hearts that need to be dealt with. Choosing words wisely and eliminating idle or useless words from our vocabulary can be helpful as we seek to comply with the Scriptural admonition to speak the truth in love. What are we adding to, or subtracting from, our vocabulary that can bring us in greater conformity to Christ?
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