'The ick' is among 3,200 new words and phrases added to the Cambridge Dictionary so far this year. Here's a handful more...
But first, what is 'the ick'? Examples given by the dictionary of the phrase used in sentences include: “I used to like Kevin, but when I saw him in that suit it gave me the ick”, and: “If you suddenly feel repulsed by someone you’re dating, that’s the ick talking.”
Other terms made popular by texting and the world of the internet to have received the rubber stamp by the Cambridge Dictionary include:
IYKYK: An abbreviation for “if you know you know”, used to suggest shared knowledge or a private joke that others might not understand.
Copypasta: Refers to chunks of text shared many times on the internet.
Boop: Means a “gentle hit or touch on a person’s or animal’s nose or head”.
Porch piracy: The act of stealing parcels from outside people’s houses.
Chef’s kiss: Describes something perfect or excellent.
Depending on your age (or the age group you communicate with), text abbreviations can be a bit of a minefield. Knowing the meaning of these terms will keep anyone with a phone, social media or even just web access from being constantly confused in the digital world. Here are some more text abbreviations you should know...