’Gangnam Style’ is Collins dictionary’s word of the year

LONDON: After becoming the most-watched video ever on YouTube, Korean singer Psy’s pop sensation “Gangnam Style” has now booked a place in popular culture with recognition from a renowned British dictionary. “Gangnam Style” has been named among the Collins dictionary’s words of the year along with words such as “fiscal cliff” and “Romneyshambles.” Psy’s song was the dictionary’s word for November — when his horse dance video became YouTube’s most popular clip, ‘Mirror News’ reported. Defeated presidential candidate Mitt Romney made in it July after critics branded his visit to London a “Romneyshambles.” “Jubilympics” was June’s word, while “Games Makers” was August’s due to the volunteers who made the Olympic event in UK a success.
Each word was submitted by the public to the on-line dictionary at www.collinsdictionary.com/submission. However, the publishers said not all 12 words had the staying power to make it to the print edition. “We are astounded by how quickly new trends form. Choosing one word for 2012 didn’t match the pace of change,” Ian Brookes, consulting editor at Collins, said.
“Choosing just one word for 2012 didn’t match the pace at which our language is changing, so we selected one popular word to represent each month from the whole range of those submitted,” he said.