Merriam-Webster has added 1,400 new words and definitions to its online dictionary, with internet slang and meme culture heavily represented.
The dictionary announced its latest update on September 15, explaining that the additions reflect terms and meanings that have “demonstrated widespread use over time.”
Among them is “looksmaxxing,” which Merriam-Webster defines as the practice of taking “sometimes extreme or dangerous measures” to improve physical attractiveness.
The term has become increasingly mainstream thanks to viral creators such as Clavicular. The trend has even inspired a body horror short film starring God of War actor Sunny Suljic.
“Rickroll” has also finally made the cut. The dictionary defines the classic internet prank as tricking someone into listening to Rick Astley’s 1987 hit Never Gonna Give You Up.
Despite dating back to the 2000s, Rickrolling remains a staple of online culture. Payday 3 developers even hid Rickroll links inside the game in 2023.
Meme coins and “Sunday scaries” enter the dictionary
“Meme coin” is another addition, defined as an altcoin typically created as a humorous tribute to an internet meme or celebrity and usually having “no real utility.”
The term has become unavoidable as influencers and public figures launch their own cryptocurrencies. Earlier this month, Hunter Biden used Andrew Callaghan’s Channel 5 mailing list to launch a meme coin.
“Copium,” a combination of “cope” and “opium,” is now officially defined as denial or minimization of an unfavorable situation imagined as a narcotic. The slang has long been popular in gaming communities, including among GTA fans searching for clues before official announcements.
Ryzhi/Atsuko Sato“Crashout” also received several definitions, including a mental or emotional breakdown and an emotional outburst or tantrum. The word previously appeared on a viral TikTok “brain rot” slang list alongside phrases such as “mogging” and “cooked.”
Meanwhile, “Sunday scaries” describes the anxiety or sadness caused by realizing the weekend is almost over.
Other additions include “vibe coding,” “parasocial,” “AGI,” “uncanny valley,” “cuffing season,” “California sober,” “trash panda” and “Mandela Effect.”
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an author at TigerJek.com. I enjoy exploring games, testing different strategies, and turning what I learn into clear, useful guides. My goal is to help players understand the game better and improve without the usual confusion.
