Wags and the size-zero celebutante define the times as new Collins English Dictionary is released

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Unless, that is, you happen upon a copy of the Collins English Dictionary.

Its ninth edition, out today, includes hundreds of words which reflect our changing world and language.

The obsession with health has led to the inclusion of new arrivals such as brainfood, which relates to substances believed to improve the intellect, and man flu, which implies the male of the species has nothing worse than a cold but is exaggerating the symptoms to gain sympathy.

In the wake of the row over the 'McJob' label, McMansion --a large modern house considered to look mass-produced --has now made it into the dictionary.

In the fashion world, size zero, the U.S. equivalent of the tiny British size four, makes its debut, as does pro-ana, the belief that anorexia is a viable lifestyle choice.

The term muffin top refers to an unattractive roll of stomach which hangs over the top of tight trousers or skirts - like the upper part of a muffin.

Then there are celebutantes, young women from a wealthy background who become famous, and after their sterling performance at last year's football World Cup, wags, short for wives and girlfriends, have also made it into the dictionary.

Our growing concern with the environment is reflected in carbon offsetting and season creep, which is the changing of the length of seasons thought to be caused by climate change.

Many of the new words are scientific or technological, including plasma screen televisions, Tamiflu, the anti-influenza drug, and wiki - a web application which allows website visitors to edit content.

This derives from the Hawaiian wiki-wiki, meaning quick.

World events have also penetrated the language, with 7/7, Beslan and Gitmo - slang for Guantanamo Bay - all included.

And the war on terror has produced radicalising and Londonistan - a reference to the capital being a base for radical Islamists.

The ninth edition will be available in print, on line, on mobiles and as a desktop application.