You will have likely heard the term, but what exactly is a “carbon footprint”? Just pick up the newest edition of Marriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and you’ll find a definition – listed somewhere between “carbohydrate” and “carburetor”.
“Carbon footprint” is just one of more than 100 new entries added to the world-reknowned lexicon. While you are skimming the pages, you may want to nibble on a shawarma” (a sandwich especially of sliced lamb or chicken, vegetables and often tahini wrapped in pita bread). Otherwise, you could be planning your upcoming “staycation” (a vacation stayed at home or within the immediate area), contemplating your switchover from being a non-fussy eater to a “locavore” (someone who eats locally-grown foods, whenever possible) or desiring a goji smoothie (the dark red mildly tart berry from a thorny Asian shrub).
What’s interesting to note is that many of these words have been circulating for some time; however, they have only recently been categorized in this dictionary. “Carbon footprint”, just for example, was first found used in 1999. “Staycation” and “lovacare” are from 2005, “goji” is from 2003 and “shawarma” dates back to 1953.
Many of these “new” words may be enough to make any English teacher cringe. But, like it or not, our English language is ever-evolving. This is due to new technologies, the computer world and new matters of urgency for us … we are creating new terms for things and happenings once foreign.
Recognizing these new words and recognizing the importance of our carbon footprint as an issue in today’s world is commendable.
