'Big society' makes it into Brewer's Dictionary
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Big society, Chipping Norton set, app and tablet are just some of the phrases to make it into the latest edition of the Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase and Fable.
Lord's Sugar's famous catchphrase "You're fired" and children's book character the Gruffalo also feature in the book, which is released today.
For the first time, the new Brewer's contains an intriguing supplement called Brewer's Gems - facts, fables and curiosities from Brewer collections of the past since its first edition in 1870.
Brewer's Gems lists esoteric and entertaining entries, from curious customs to intriguing expressions, strange beliefs and superstitions and political alliances of yesteryear.
Many new phrases to appear in the 19th edition of the dictionary refer to the state of the economy in the country, such as double-dip, downsize and quantitative easing, while other more light-hearted additions include meh and mash up.
It has been edited by Countdown dictionary expert Susie Dent, who has written a number of books on the English language.
She said: "You might say that entry into Brewer's Dictionary is the reference equivalent of making it to the Order of the Garter.
"If a fact, quote, character, custom, or legend adds something to the story of our culture, however laterally or eccentrically, it will have earned its place."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments