The word of the year for 2007 was “w00t.”
Haven’t heard of it?
Me either.
In case you’re as clueless as I was, it’s an expression of joy or excitement. Other words on Merriam Webster’s Word of the Year list for 2007 include “facebook,” “quixotic,” and the ever-popular “sardoodledrum.”
A combination of letters and numerals, w00t was hailed as a perfect representative of the new form of communication in this age of texting and gaming.
I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m all thumbs when it comes to texting. Combine my clumsy fingers with my inability to decipher most vanity license plates and I’m at a distinct disadvantage when it comes to texting. I have picked up a few shortcuts like “thx” for thanks and “l8r” for later, but I know I have a long way to go before I’m fluent.
I do wonder how far this new language will penetrate our lives. Sure, it’s completely acceptable in text messages and email, but will it creep into business letters? Will Strunk & White become obsolete? Will business letters become obsolete?
I’d love to hear nominations for word of the year for 2008, too.
cul8r
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I’m not sure where I read or heard it, but there is actually a whole book written in texting language.
I’m certainly not the demographic, but I think it’s here to stay.
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I’ve seen it, but I’ve never texted in my life, so it must be seeping into the culture in other ways. Call me old-fashioned, but I don’t like words with numbers in the middle. Letters are for words, numbers are for math. Ummm, right? Those number words hurt my brain. I think I’ll stick with the less fashionable ‘woohoo’ and leave the w00t to more hip people. (Is the word ‘hip’ even hip anymore? I’m so out of touch.)
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A whole book in text lingo? I’d certainly need a glossary to get through it. I think you’re right about it being here to stay, Will.
by Sara
on January 2nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
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I think “sick” is the new “hip,” B.E.
by Sara
on January 2nd, 2008 at 1:57 pm
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goodgilrz r teh hotnezz.
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So what, exactly, does that ridiculous combination of letters and and numbers mean? And how is it supposed to be pronounced, by the way? Not to be a big grouch, but I’m still trying to ‘get with’ the annoying linking of adverb to adverb of “This needs done” so I don’t think I’m ever going to get into texting shorthand, and I don’t care if anyone thinks I’m stuck in the past. I do like the flexibility of language, but I also like the nobility of it, and texting is to the nobility of language as freeze-dried k-rations are to great cuisine. To steal a movie line, “You can eat it, but it tastes like shit.” (Sorry for any offense)
by Kate Hathway
on January 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pm
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No offense taken. Frankly, I think the so-called texting language is an excuse to be obtuse.
by Bob Rudolph
on January 2nd, 2008 at 11:33 pm
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