1. Usage:
* Common Usage: A word must be used regularly and consistently in a particular language by a significant number of people. This can happen across various forms of communication like spoken language, written language, and online communication.
* Context and Meaning: The word needs to have a clear, established meaning that is generally understood by users of the language. It should also have a specific role in the language, contributing to its meaning and expression.
2. Acceptance:
* Cultural Recognition: The word needs to be accepted by the wider community of language users. This means it gains acceptance through various channels:
* Media: Appearance in newspapers, books, magazines, television, and online platforms.
* Formal Discourse: Use in academic and professional writing, legal documents, and government publications.
* Social Media: Popularity and widespread use on platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other online forums.
3. Formal Recognition:
* Lexicographers: These are professionals who study and document words and their meanings. They track the evolution of language, observe usage patterns, and decide whether a new word warrants inclusion in a dictionary.
* Dictionary Publishers: These are the companies that create and publish dictionaries. They rely on lexicographers' expertise to determine which words are worthy of inclusion.
* Criteria for Inclusion: Lexicographers consider factors like:
* Frequency of Usage: How often the word appears in various forms of communication.
* Durability: How long the word has been in use and its potential for continued use.
* Meaning and Context: The clarity and consistency of the word's meaning and how it contributes to the overall language.
The Process is Ongoing:
Dictionaries are constantly updated to reflect changes in language. New words are added, definitions are revised, and sometimes words even become obsolete and are removed.
Note: It's important to remember that dictionaries are not authoritative sources of "correct" language. They are tools that reflect the current state of a language, but language is constantly evolving and changing.