Who is reponsible for choosing what words go into the dictionary? Specifically the Oxford english dictionary?

Question

It was just one of those thoughts you have, when you've not got alot on. But thinking about it, is it actually someone's career? I mean, the English language is one of the most stupid languages i know - there are so many irregularities, slang terms, stupid terms, and things that make me appreciate English being my first langauge. I tried learning Spanish and that was hard enough.

But back to the point, someone has to be reponsible for choosing to put the word conk or barmy into the dictionary.................

Answer 1

Below I have inserted a portion of an article. This portion names the most recent editors. However, there were other editors preceding these.
But by this time it was clear that the full text of the Dictionary now needed to be computerised. Achieving this would still require retyping it once, but thereafter it would always be accessible for computer searching — as well as for whatever new editions of the dictionary might be desired, starting with an integration of the supplementary volumes and the main text. Preparation for this began in 1983 and editorial work started the following year under the administrative direction of Timothy J. Benbow, and with John A. Simpson and Edmund S. C. Weiner as co-editors.

Answer 2

For the Oxford English Dictionary there is a lot of research goes on to find the origin of a word, when it was first used etc. Yes, it is someone's career - lots of people's in fact. Presumably it is the editor who decides whether a word makes it into the dictionary, and I guess he would make his decision based on the amount of usage. There are no official rule-makers for the English language, so many dictionaries are descriptive - i.e. they just report what the words are, and the meaning as they have been used. The OED (I think - I've never read it) lists the origin of all the different meanings and nuances of each word. Other dictionaries are more prescriptive - they see themselves as authorities as to how words should be used, even if most people are using the word in a different (incorrect?) manner.
Bill Bryson's 'Mother Tongue' is an excellent easy to read account of this sort of thing.

Answer 3

The OED will accept a slang term for publication after it has been in public use for 5 years, i'm guessing they have people sending tehm words for consideration.
It's most likely done by the Oxford University Press and students at the uni studying for example english and it's development? Or just paid researchers.

Answer 4

Wynona's massive Brown Beaver - Primus ...this music continuously cracks me up... MQ- Come Sail Away - Styx MQ2 - hmmm the only music bearing directly to bugs that i will think of of is All My acquaintances Are bugs - Weezer

Answer 5

Lexicographers

Answer 6

Usually, it's an editorial board which consults with experts in the field, such as computer programming,or math, or science.

Answer 7

Some silly idiot does it.