an eglish rule is that if people use a word a lot then it becomes a real word and is put in the dictionary. "ain't, ghetto..." never in it. also misspelled words like "alot". words have to be spelled one way only? what about email, e mail, and e-mail? they're all correct.
2007-06-01 07:39:51 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Slang words are definitely found in good dictionaries. Mis-spellings are not words so they wouldn't be in. Alot is not a word. A lot is two and allot is one.
Ain't is defined in my dictionary as: contracted form of 'are not'. Also used for am or is not. Also for has not and have not.
email e-mail and E-mail are all shown as accepted abbreviations for electronic mail. All are correct.
2007-06-01 07:52:29 · answer #1 · answered by quatt47 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, many slang words do go into the dictionary. It is usually indicated with "sl" to let the reader know that the word is indeed slang and is not to be used in formal communication.
Why would common misspellings go into the dictionary? There is only ONE correct way to spell a word, although many people may take liberties when communicating on the internet. The only correct way to say "virtual mail" is "e-mail."
2007-06-01 08:19:37 · answer #2 · answered by Will P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Part of it is that slang has a tendancy to turn over so quickly, that what may be the current rage in 1984 has all but disappeared in 1994 and is no longer valid.
A word getting into the dictionary is about as hard as getting someone declaired a saint
2007-06-01 08:18:42 · answer #3 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Oh but they DO get into dictionaries. It's just a question of how many people use a word or term, how often, for how long. Good dictionaries reflect enduring popular usage as much as they do standard vocabulary, because they recognize that language is an organic, ever-evolving thing.
2007-06-01 07:58:48 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a lot of slang words get put in the dictionary. it just takes time for people to add those words into the dictionary.
2007-06-01 07:49:46 · answer #5 · answered by THERESA(: 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there are so many different slang terms. even ones you've never heard. and the dictionary is for real words, not slang. but i have seen "ain't" in a dictionary before. maybe you just need a newer dictionary.
2007-06-01 08:15:29 · answer #6 · answered by azdgd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Slang words should not be in a dictionary at all
2007-06-01 07:52:29 · answer #7 · answered by Amy D 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When I am not usre of a slang word I look it up in the urban dictionary.
2007-06-01 07:48:54 · answer #8 · answered by Nellie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ONE THING ALOT IS TWO WORDS IT'S SPELLED A LOT
AND THEY HAVE A SLANG DICTIONARY WITH JUST SLANG WORDS
2007-06-01 08:13:53 · answer #9 · answered by REPIN DA 804 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Does this really matter? I think you are over thinking it; put your brains to better use. No offence intended
2007-06-01 07:48:39 · answer #10 · answered by Mike 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋