Urban-wha?

Webster's notes that it is "a lexiconic device to understand and dialogue regarding, pertaining to, or designating a city or town." Adults use it to understand teens; my students even try to use it as "an academic source." Uh-huh. Sure.

So what is it? Well, I'll let it tell you. It's page banner says it all...

Urban Dictionary is the dictionary you wrote. Define your world

4,561,885 definitions since December 9, 1999

As a lover of words...even the crass, inexplicably juvenile ones (especially those, in fact), I confess: I love the Urban Dictionary. As a testimony to its uber-trendy status, you can find it predominantly in cyberspace, quietly waiting for your perusal. In this linguistic world, you discover what in the world "ISmear" means; the best methods to "conversate"; how to handle being "guac-blocked"; and even ponder the unlikelihood of "wiper beat."

Okay, so it's not rocket science. Not deep thinking. Not intensely focused on politics, religion, or world peace. But let's get over ourselves now and again! Think guilty pleasure! If we don't release in multiple ways, we'll all combust anyway, so learn a bit o' slang. Get in touch with your sillier side. Crasser side. Kid side. It's the month of love - don't forget to love yourself, too.

Still not convinced? Well, here's the redeeming kicker, then...if you must have one: urban dictionary terms are the ones we say as a culture. We do. Connect with what's going on and feel like you're a participant in your culture rather than a passive spectator: engage the sport of living fully not just responsibly.

Oh, and don't think urban speak is contained at their site. I mean, seriously: is anything contained on the internet? The UD is finding its rhythm, all right: with their "word of the day" feature and incorporation of slang meanings even for first names, people are taking a look. Want some evidence? Today's featured word is one I haven't yet heard, but am now sure I'll use. It's "vaguebooking" defined as "an intentionally vague Facebook status update, that prompts friends to ask what's going on, or is possibly a cry for help." Yes! We need a word for this singularly annoying behavior. Perfect. Want still more proof?

Here's a status post game I saw on Facebook just this morning. The challenge read, "Go to urbandictionary.com, type in your first name, copy and paste this as your status and put the first entry for your name under your comments." While I chose not to do this on my page, I'll do it here for y'all.

Candice, according to the UD, means, "A beautiful, stunning, down to earth girl with an incredible voice that brings out the best in people with her beautiful blue eyes and impeccable smile. Is able to roll with the punches, while you stroll hand in hand.

DUDEEEEE see that girl singing right there? No joke, you can tell she's a Candice.

 

See? How can you not go get that bump in your day?