May 2009

Report from the Open Dictionary

With summer holidays around the corner, Americans still worried about the economy have some new words to use when describing their situation. Decide for yourself if these new coinages will have the lasting power to earn a spot in the dictionary. Or, submit your own new or specialized words to Merriam-Webster's Open Dictionary.

recessionista (noun) : one who remains stylish during times of economic hardship
<A recessionista does not let a bad economy, inflation, or a strong recession damage his or her wardrobe and opts to search for sales and shop at thrifty discount stores instead. — www.investopedia.com >
: a woman who updates her wardrobe in a frugal manner
<"I only paid $5 for this designer blouse," exclaimed the recessionista about her latest thrift store find. — The San Francisco Chronicle>

economic holiday (noun) : a certain day of celebration in which the purchase of various goods and services could be considered part of the celebration
<Johnathan believes that Valentine's Day is an economic holiday because many people buy boxes of chocolates for each other.>

paycation (noun) : a paid vacation
<I would love to take an extended paycation to some remote island in the South Pacific. >


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