Anyone who’s kept up with my columns this semester should have been able to detect two general themes: etymology and shopping. I’ve torn apart “basic” and “sexy,” condemning one and contemplating the redefinition of the other. I’ve explored how to shop for both men and women as well as how to choose what drink to purchase when you turn 21.
Why am I so interested in these topics? I can’t put my finger on it precisely. Hoos are smart little cookies who enjoy analytics, but we’re also the impressionable children of a capitalist society; we like words and presents. We’re a loquacious concoction of eloquence and greed. We are Smaug the Dragon in human form.
In honor of our etymological prowess, let’s take a look at seven new-wave words that have swept through Grounds this past year.
My first set of words have officially been introduced into the Oxford Dictionary — signaling their widespread adoption and use and making them an ever-lasting part of our vernacular.
“BINGE-WATCH”
Oxford Dictionary Definition: “To watch multiple episodes of (a television program) in rapid succession, typically by means of DVDs or digital streaming.”
I, for one, am ecstatic the Oxford Dictionary has given us permission to pull on sweatpants, pop a squat on our couches and spend 12 delightful hours enjoying the brilliance of “Say Yes to the Dress,” “Breaking Bad” and “Friends.” Binge-watching teaches us the merits of choosing silk over lace, how to make meth and why “We were on a break” is never an acceptable reason to cheat on your significant other.
“FRATTY”
Oxford Dictionary Definition: “Characteristic of a college fraternity or its members (often with reference to rowdy behavior).”
Ah, the irony of this word being acknowledged as an actual piece of the English language. To be honest, whatever I say here about “fratty” will result in my condemnation, so feel free to make your own associations with this word.
“DOUCHEBAGGERY”
Oxford Dictionary Definition: “Obnoxious or contemptible behavior.”
This one speaks for itself. No one at the University needs to hear this term used in a sentence in order to comprehend it. You do not need to comprehend this word; you are living this word.
“SIDE BOOB”
Oxford Dictionary Definition: “The side part of a woman’s breast, as exposed by a revealing item of clothing.”
Even if our generation fails to contribute anything meaningful to society, we can rest assured we’ve made a difference by cementing “side boob” as a form of raciness. Men have been revealing side boob for years thanks to those hipster-tanks with the low cut armholes; why should they have all the fun?
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But not all evolutions in language has made its way into the dictionary just yet. Some words have found more of a localized home, percolating through the University community — or at least my subset of it. Pat yourselves on the backs, Hoos — the world will thank us for these profound tidbits one day.
“LAYD”
Layd has not yet been admitted to the elite club of Oxford-approved words, but give it time. This word refers to one’s hair being especially on-point and sexy. Did Jeffrey get a haircut over Fall Break? Because, hot damn, his hair is layd. Alexis must have bought a new straightener, because her ‘do is totally layd.
Once, when I was spending yet another all-nighter in Clem, a friend commented that my hair looked layd and I almost cried. This may have been because I was running on three hours of sleep and harboring catastrophic levels of stress, or it may have been because I genuinely appreciated the topic. Either way, let’s spread this little beam of sunshine around Grounds.
“DRAG”
Haven’t heard this one yet? Get ready to spread it like wildfire. It’s appropriate to drag someone when he or she is getting out of control and needs to take it down 10 notches. Ashley’s on Facebook again when she should be studying for her Sociology final? Drag her! Ruth hooked up with Becky’s boyfriend in New Cabell? Drag her! Dustin just knocked your Bodo’s onto the sidewalk? Drag him straight to hell.
“SLAY”
Slay is somewhat of a positive variation on drag. If you’re slaying, you’re killing the competition. You’re beating the game and one-upping every other bystander with magnificent angel light that shines out of your toes and fingertips, like when Beast transforms back into a sassy-haired real man in “Beauty and the Beast.” Rusty got an A- on his Foreign Affairs paper; slay, Rusty, slay! Our generation is eloquent, well-spoken and creative and we’re changing the English language for the better; slay, Generation Y, slay!
Laura’s column runs biweekly Fridays. She can be reached at l.holshouser@cavalierdaily.com.
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