From “Cronut” To “Selfie,” NYT’s 2013 Words Of The Year

Phrases that became part of San Diego's public lexicon this year included "Filner headlock and "Filner dance." We take a look at the top words/phrases of the year with A Way With Words co-host, Grant Barrett. He tells us what made his New York Times list.

Aired 12/19/13 on KPBS Midday Edition

GUEST:

Grant Barrett, lexicographer specializing in slang and new words, co-host of the public radio program, A Way with Words

Transcript for audioclip 20789

If you've ever enjoyed a cronut or taken a selfie, you are among those on the cutting edge of the English language. Both words are mentioned on the 2013 New York Times' "Words of the Year" list.

A number of organizations, such as Oxford Dictionaries and the American Dialect Society, also identified words that gained popularity during the year or somehow seem to typify the current zeitgeist.

We look at the Times' list with lexicographer and A Way With Words co-host, Grant Barrett, who compiled the list.

The New York Times "Year In Review" section featuring Barrett's words of the year comes out this weekend.

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