The latest addition to the Oxford English Dictionary includes seven new entries from Canadian English, shedding light on unique cultural expressions. If you find yourself sitting diagonally across from someone at a cash prize competition while enjoying a traditional dessert like blueberry grunt, tensions may rise. The new entries cover terms like “cashspiel” for cash prize competitions, “elbows up” indicating readiness to defend oneself, and “kitty-corner” to describe a diagonal position.
Moreover, the inclusion of terms like “kokum” referring to a grandmother in Cree culture and “land acknowledgment” recognizing Indigenous inhabitants, reflects the diverse linguistic landscape of Canada. The OED incorporates various methods to track emerging words, including crowdsourcing and academic research.
One notable addition is “elbows up,” a phrase that resonates with recent events, becoming a symbol of defiance against challenges. The cultural impact of such expressions, as seen in the Elbows Up movement, showcases Canada’s influence on the global stage.
According to Danica Salazar, the world English editor at OED, Canada’s linguistic contributions, such as the Elbows Up movement, demonstrate its soft power. By expanding the lexicon with these new terms, Canadians are portrayed as more assertive and multifaceted individuals.
The integration of Indigenous languages, like Cree, into English vocabulary, as seen with the term “kokum,” highlights the cultural richness of Canada. While “bullet points” is a common term globally for “point form,” the Canadian variant offers a unique and versatile alternative, reflecting the country’s linguistic diversity.
Salazar’s observation underscores the organic process of language evolution, influenced by interactions with diverse cultures. As these Canadian expressions gain recognition, they not only enrich the English language but also offer insights into Canadian identity and values.