Etymologists have something to keep themselves busy this summer. Merriam-Webster is out with its latest additions to the English language. About 100 new words are making it into the new dictionary. Everything from waterboarding and earmark to frenemy and staycation. As always, they are words that someone just "thought up" and gained usage and eventually the status of "language." Bill Carey was wondering whether a new set of terms and, eventually words, might spring up from some recent events in the Capitol.


SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The fact is that new words are born each day, hoping they will eventually reach the pages of Merriam-Webster.

“It needs to be something that's in usage and is part of the language,” said Syracuse University librarian Patrick Williams.

And the best part is, anyone can create a word. It just takes inspiration. And we know just where to look for inspiration.

Who knows? The entire nation might soon share in our new lexicon born of deadlock.

For instance, a Skelospada, a being created by the unusual pairing of ideological opposites for the purpose of gaining more office space.

Amigo Drift -- when one of the pair gets an even better deal.

How about a verb – to Malcolm. That's the act of ignoring words spoken by an important guest while retrieving Blackberry messages.

And it's corollary -- to be Smithed. That's a sudden loss of power requiring assistance from an historic figure, perhaps Sampson

All sorts of new terms spring to mind.

Repocrisy -- the inability of one group to accept rules that it imposed on another group in the past.

Or demnesia -- a sudden forgetfulness. One suffering from demnesia might be found asking, "what reform?"

There is cuomotion -- creating a stir by saying nothing and appearing detached.

Or shellification -- the amused satisfaction of not appearing dysfunctional.

Taking on a new job at the request of someone who may not be in a position to actually give you that position -- Ravitching.

Any act that, at first, appears substantial, yet fails to carry any weight would be Patersonian.

And they go on and on.

Jurisdisrelish -- a sudden revulsion by judges to actually rule in cases.

All new words that could someday make it to the big time.

Oh, there was one other. Actually, a new definition for a word that is already in the dictionary. A spectator forced to watch something they find personally revolting, while also obliged to cover any and all expenses. The word is taxpayer.