Oxford Dictionary trivia
Oxford Dictionary Mini Quiz
Test your knowledge with these top questions!
Question 1
Oxford Dictionaries selected a laughing emoji as the 2015 Word of the Year to highlight what trend?
The "Face with Tears of Joy" character was the most used emoji globally in 2015, proving that pictographs had become a rich, nuanced form of modern language.
Question 2
Oxford English Dictionary editor James Murray asked everyday volunteers to perform what task?
In an early form of crowdsourcing, Murray asked the public to read books and mail in slips of paper showing exactly how specific words were used in context.
Question 3
The Oxford English Dictionary requires editors to prove what before adding a new word?
Editors look for independent examples of a word across multiple published sources over time, ensuring it is a lasting part of the lexicon rather than a fleeting trend.
Question 4
The Oxford English Dictionary uses a "descriptive" approach to achieve what primary goal?
Unlike prescriptive dictionaries that dictate grammar rules, a descriptive approach objectively documents how native speakers naturally use and adapt the language over time.