Instead of our usual Word of the Day today, let me introduce you to four of the newest entries in the Merriam-Webster dictionary. These were all added just last month. All definitions and quotes were taken from the Merriam-Webster website.
janky (informal. First known use, 1989): of very poor quality, junky. Also: not functioning properly or adequately, faulty. "My family had medical debt, because we live in the jankiest medical system in the developed world." - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez
lewk (slang. First known use, 2009): a fashion look that is distinctive to the wearer and is noticeable and memorable to others. “And yet, the secret to nailing an airport lewk is easier than one thinks: It's all in the travel bag.” – Christian Allaire
adorkable (informal. First known use, 1999): socially awkward or quirky in a way that is endearing. “Fifteen years after Zellweger first charmed the world as adorkable…Bridget Jones, she's returning to the beloved character created by author Helen Fielding.” – People Magazine
yeet (interjection, slang. First known use, 2007): used to express surprise, approval, or excited enthusiasm. “Instead of saying "cool" when something good happens, he would say "yeet," which in slang can mean anything from "yes" to expressing excitement or approval.” – Mary-Jo Tohill
Also: yeet (verb. First known use, 2017): to throw especially with force and without regard for the thing being thrown. “When it comes to Twitter features, number one on the wish list of the platform's heaviest users – apart from a Super Mega Block option that instantly yeets a nasty user into the sea – is the edit button.” – Caitlin Welsh
I’m pretty sure Merriam-Webster is missing another use of “yeet” that I can attest has been around for more than a half-century, at least. Here’s *my* definition, complete with quotation example:
Yeet (interrogative, Brooklynese. First known use, circa mid-1950s. Alternate spelling: “Jeet”): Shortened form of the question, Did you eat? “Yeet yet?” “No, Jew?” “Nah, let’s getta slice-a pizza.” – Everyone I grew up with in Brooklyn
C’mon, Merriam-Webster, your definition of yeet is janky. You’ve gotta fix that oversight.
