'The ick' and 'boop' newest entries in dictionary

This year, the Cambridge Dictionary has added over 3,200 new words and phrases, including 'the ick' and 'boop', which have gained popularity through the reality show Love Island. Wendalyn Nichols, the publishing manager at Cambridge Dictionary, explains that language is always evolving, and these new terms are expected to have lasting significance in our everyday conversations. The term 'the ick' refers to a sudden feeling of dislike or loss of attraction towards someone due to something they do. For instance, someone might say, 'I used to like Kevin, but seeing him in that suit gave me the ick. ' On the other hand, 'boop' is defined as a gentle touch or tap on the nose or head, often used in a playful or affectionate manner. This highlights how language can reflect our social interactions and emotions.

In addition to these terms, the dictionary has introduced other contemporary phrases such as 'IYKYK', which stands for 'if you know, you know', and 'face journey', a term that describes the various expressions on a person's face as they react to different situations. Another notable addition is 'chef's kiss', a phrase used to express that something is perfect or excellent. This phrase also describes a specific gesture where one brings their fingers together, kisses them, and then pulls their hand away from their lips. These new words and phrases illustrate the dynamic nature of language and how it adapts to cultural trends.

The latest edition of the dictionary also includes gaming-related terminology, such as 'speedrun', which means completing a game or level in a short amount of time, and 'side quest', which refers to a secondary task within a game. Colin McIntosh, the program manager at Cambridge Dictionary, notes that these gaming-inspired words are beginning to influence our discussions about real-life situations. For example, the term 'side quest' can be used to describe when someone gets sidetracked by something trivial or when a person leaves a larger group during a night out. Furthermore, at the end of last year, the word 'hallucinate' was named the word of the year, reflecting the impact of artificial intelligence on our language. Traditionally, 'hallucinate' meant to perceive things that do not exist, but it now also refers to instances when AI generates false information. This evolution of language demonstrates how new technologies can shape our understanding and communication.