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Dictionary users have a surprising reason to update their vocabulary. Merriam-Webster has added 1,400 new words and definitions to its online catalog, recognizing terms shaped by social media, artificial intelligence, popular culture, food and modern relationships.
The major update, announced September 20, 2026, includes internet expressions such as “looksmaxxing,” “vibe coding,” “meme coin” and “Rickroll.” Other additions, including “cuffing season,” “Sunday scaries” and “trash panda,” reflect how quickly online language can move into everyday conversation.
Dictionary Update Captures the Language of the Internet
Merriam-Webster said its new entries represent words and meanings that have shown sustained, widespread use. In other words, a phrase does not earn a place in the dictionary simply because it becomes popular for a few days on social media.
Editors study how people use a term over time before deciding whether it has become established enough for inclusion. The publisher described the additions as a window into the world today, with digital culture playing a major role in how people communicate.
“Looksmaxxing,” for example, refers to efforts to improve one’s physical appearance. The term has become especially visible among younger internet users and has been associated with everything from grooming routines to more extreme appearance-focused regimens.
“Parasocial” was also added. The word commonly describes a one-sided relationship a person feels with a celebrity, influencer, media personality or fictional character.
Powerful New Terms Reflect Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence is another major theme in the update. Merriam-Webster added “vibe coding,” a phrase used to describe creating software with the assistance of AI tools, often through natural-language instructions rather than traditional programming alone.
The list also includes “AGI,” or artificial general intelligence, as well as a new noun form of “compute.” The additions highlight how technology terminology is moving beyond engineering circles and into business, education and everyday discussions.
“Uncanny valley” received attention as well. The term describes the unsettling feeling caused by something artificial that looks almost human but not quite. It is frequently used when discussing computer-generated images, robots, digital characters and AI-created media.
The technology additions arrive as artificial intelligence continues to influence workplaces, entertainment, advertising and online content. Merriam-Webster previously selected “slop” as its 2025 Word of the Year, defining it as low-quality digital content often produced in large quantities with AI.
Rickroll, Meme Coin and Trash Panda Join the List
Internet culture produced several of the update’s most recognizable entries. “Rickroll” refers to the prank of unexpectedly directing someone to Rick Astley’s 1987 music video for “Never Gonna Give You Up.” The joke has remained popular for decades despite its simple premise.
“Meme coin” describes a cryptocurrency associated with an internet meme, joke or online trend. The term reflects the overlap between digital communities, social media humor and speculative markets.
“Trash panda,” a playful nickname for a raccoon, also made the cut. The phrase has been widely used online and in popular culture to describe the animal’s reputation for scavenging food and exploring urban spaces.
Other additions include “Mandela Effect,” which describes a shared false memory, and “letterboxing,” which gained a new digital meaning. “Crashout,” “copium,” “California sober,” “yacht rock,” “shapewear” and “neckbeard” are also among the newly recognized terms.
Food, Relationships and Everyday Life Shape the Update
The dictionary expansion is not limited to online slang or technology. Food-related additions include “superfood,” “cake pop,” “shishito,” “bao” and “chili crisp,” reflecting the growing popularity of global ingredients and restaurant trends.
“Cuffing season” describes the colder months when some single people seek short-term romantic relationships. The term has become a familiar part of seasonal social-media conversations and dating culture.
“Sunday scaries,” meanwhile, captures the anxiety or dread some people experience before returning to work or school after the weekend. The phrase is often used casually, but its popularity reflects broader conversations about stress, productivity and work-life balance.
Merriam-Webster’s update shows that language continues to evolve across classrooms, workplaces, entertainment platforms and social networks. While some expressions may eventually fade, the new entries demonstrate that repeated use can transform a passing phrase into a lasting part of modern communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dictionary Update
How many new entries did Merriam-Webster add?
Merriam-Webster added 1,400 new words and definitions to its online catalog in the September 2026 update.
What does “looksmaxxing” mean?
“Looksmaxxing” refers to efforts to improve a person’s physical appearance through grooming, styling, fitness or other appearance-focused practices.
What is vibe coding?
“Vibe coding” describes using artificial intelligence tools and natural-language prompts to help create software or computer code.
Why was Rickroll added to the dictionary?
“Rickroll” has been used widely for years to describe an internet prank involving an unexpected link or reference to Rick Astley’s song “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
Does Merriam-Webster add words just because they go viral?
No. Editors look for evidence that a word or definition has achieved sustained and widespread use before adding it to the dictionary.
