In a step toward immortality, the Oxford English Dictionary has issued its list of new words being added to the latest edition and included are two words derived from the ‘Star Wars’ film franchise.
“Jedi” is listed as a noun, and is defined as:
“In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: a member of an order of heroic, skilled warrior monks who are able to harness the mystical power of…”
“Padawan” is also a noun, and is defined as:
“In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: an apprentice Jedi (see Jedi n.). Also (often humorously) in extended and allusive use: a youthful…”
(I still refer to my friend Chris as “Padawan” after we first met when he was one of my trainees at our old job.)
In addition to adding “Jedi” and “Padawan,” the Oxford English Dictionary has added “senses” to existing words that connect them to ‘Star Wars’.
Obviously “force” was already a word with multiple meanings. But the new listing indicates that “Force” with a capital F, is a noun, meaning:
“With the and chiefly with capital initial. In the fictional universe of the Star Wars films: a mystical universal energy field which certain…”
(The entire definition isn’t provided. You have to subscribe to read the whole thing. But you can probably figure out the rest just based on… well, your own understanding of The Force.)
A new sub-genre for “mind trick” is listed as:
“mind trick: (a) a trick played by the mind; a delusion or illusion; (b) an act of manipulating someone psychologically, esp. to gain an advantage; see also Jedi…”
Other new words include “Cobb Salad,” “slam dunk” (really? That wasn’t already in there?), and “whatevs.”
How do you feel about ‘Star Wars’ lingo becoming regular parts of the English language?
Source: Entertainment Weekly
