Fwd: Dictionary inclusion of unworthy words

[DAK]

I have noticed that technical usages entered the mainstream and left
in a shortened cycle over the twentieth century. Does anyone know
of any statistical studies ?  These usages are not slang, but they are
seemingly similar in behavior to topical slang.

Jesse Sheidlower wrote:

> On Mon, Sep 23, 2002 at 10:22:12AM -0400, Laurence Horn wrote:
> > Some info of possible interest, forwarded from the Forensic Ling.
> > list.  Unfortunately, I don't know what the "local TV channel"
> > is--presumably it's somewhere in the NYC area if he's at Hofstra--but
> > it does sound as though Mr. Leonard is spreading the good word.
> . . .
> > From: "Robert A. Leonard" <Robert.A.Leonard at HOFSTRA.EDU>
> > Subject: Dictionary inclusion of unworthy words
>
> > Dear List Members,
> > I have been invited on to the morning news show of the local TV
> > channel (2 million viewers, they claim) to comment on why the OED has
> > included slang words like Phat. I have done field research on slang
>
> I wonder why the local TV channel doesn't ask the OED to comment
> on why the OED includes slang words like _phat_.
>
> Jesse "Not that I don't have enough to do anyway, but really" Sheidlower