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Oxford Dictionary accepts new slangs, here's how to use them

After months and, in some cases, years of usage in the streets, office cubicles, homes and online, the Oxford Dictionaries have finally given legitimacy to words like 'hangry,' 'manspreading,' 'brain fart' and 'swole'.

Updated on: Aug 30, 2015 12:54 PM IST
Hindustan Times | By , New Delhi
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After months and, in some cases, years of usage in the streets, office cubicles, homes and online, the Oxford Dictionaries have finally given legitimacy to words like 'hangry,' 'manspreading,' 'brain fart' and 'swole'.

Do you get cranky when you are hungry? That's called being 'hangry' and it is now a word accepted by the Oxford Dictionary. (Shutterstock Image)
Do you get cranky when you are hungry? That's called being 'hangry' and it is now a word accepted by the Oxford Dictionary. (Shutterstock Image)

While they may still be underlined in red by spell checkers, Oxford has officially recognised some of the most popular words and terms in their latest update.

New additions have been gleaned from world news, the gaming community, and the "cheffy" food scene.

Here's a selection and how to use them:

1. Hangry

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/hangry.gif

Have you ever felt cranky and angry on not being served food? Do you feel like you would hit someone if the waiter took another second to bring food to the table? Well then this word is for you. It's a portmanteau made from 'hungry' and 'angry'.

Usage:

'Omg babe stop getting hangry! Your tacos will be here soon.'

2. Mic drop

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/micdrop.gif




Usage:

'Dude! Obama just dropped the mic on that Twitter battle with Clinton.'

3. Awesomesauce

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/awesomesauce.gif

This is used when something is more awesome than awesome.

Usage:

'Yo! Did you see that new clip from Star Wars? It's so totally awesomesauce!'

4. Brain fart

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/breain%20fart.gif

When you say something stupid almost reflexively.

Usage:

Teacher: Is XYZ in class?
XYZ: Yes Mom!... Umm sorry that was a brain fart.

5. Bitch face

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/restingbitchface.gif

That face you make where you are niether smiling nor frowning but just expressionless. However, people do mistake it as an angry face.

Usage:
'Hey are you angry about something?'
'No, that's just my resting bitch face.'

6. Redditor

http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/redditor.gif

Pretty self-explanatory, it is used for someone who uses Reddit.

Usage:

That guy is a full-time Redditor. He even chats in memes.

When you have had enough shit from somebody or something and you quit in the most fierce manner possible. You flip tables and break some chairs and walk out.

Usage: This gif...8. Fangirl



http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/fangirling.gif

When you see you favourite star/singer/superhero/whatever and you just can't contain your excitement.

Usage:

'We ran into Robert Downey Jr on our way here. He was shooting for a movie. And as you'd expect this one here started fangirling so hard, it took us three more pair of arms to get her out of there.'9. Butt-dial



http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/buttdial.gif

When you get a call from a friend and instead of saying 'hello' to you back, they are talking to someone else. You my friend, got butt-dialed. It is when the phone has mind of its own and decides to call someone randomly without the owner's permission.

Usage:

'Hey! You called me thrice but never said anything. What was that all about?'
'Sorry dude, that was a butt-dial.'10. Manspreading



http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/popup/2015/8/manspreading.gif

When you sit with your legs wide apart, leaving no room for others. And others around you are all like this guy in the gif above.

Usage:

'Dude! Manage your manspread. Two more guys can sit in that space.'

The appropriate time to drink wine. Which is any time, really.

Usage:

'Hey, what time is it?'
'Pop the bottle! It's wine o'clock.' 12. Swole



http://www.kth.se/blogs/reah/files/2014/08/tumblr_m8m7mopNVF1qbrivdo1_500.gif

A buff guy with biceps bigger than his head is 'swole'.

Usage:

'Gurl! Seen that guy lately? He got swole as hell! Hot I'd say.'

(With inputs from AFP)

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Soumya Srivastava

Soumya Srivastava is the Entertainment and Lifestyle Editor at Hindustan Times, bringing over a decade of experience covering movies, celebrities, pop culture, and everything that feels current and compelling. With a sharp editorial lens and an instinct for what resonates, she writes stories that balance insight with accessibility — whether she’s reporting from a red carpet, reviewing a buzzy new release, or unpacking the craft behind cinema. An unabashed Swiftie and a devoted admirer of Christopher Nolan’s filmmaking, Soumya blends heart and analysis in equal measure. She holds a degree in English Literature from Janki Devi Memorial College, Delhi University, and is an alumna of IIMC Dhenkanal (2013). As a Rotten Tomatoes Certified Film Critic, her reviews reflect credibility, cultural awareness, and a nuanced understanding of storytelling across genres and formats. She has interviewed celebrities like Celine Song, Zoya Akhtar, Kajol, Shabana Azmi, Pankaj Tripathi and more. She has also reviwes hundreds of movies and written thousands of stories, made videos, special columns and more. While films remain her first love, Soumya’s interests extend deeply into lifestyle and design. She is particularly drawn to décor, thoughtfully designed spaces, and the subtle ways aesthetics influence everyday living. From celebrity homes and interior trends to broader lifestyle movements, she enjoys exploring how personal taste intersects with identity and modern culture. Her voice is informed yet relatable, analytical yet warm — making her work engaging for a wide and diverse readership. Through her writing, Soumya continues to shape conversations around entertainment, lifestyle, and contemporary culture.

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