# Merriam Webster on The No Agenda Show

Merriam Webster comes up in 29 chapters across 29 episodes of The No Agenda Show, from October 2009 to October 2024.

- **Chapters:** 29
- **Episodes:** 29
- **Discussed:** October 2009 – October 2024
- **Related topics:** [Merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [Dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dictionary.md), [Linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md), [Racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), [Etymology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/etymology.md), [Decimate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/decimate.md), [Donald Trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [Oxford English Dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oxford-english-dictionary.md), [Alexa](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alexa.md), [Alt-right](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/alt-right.md)

## Chapters 1–20 of 29

### Redefining Fascism, The View and Merriam-Webster

- **Episode:** [1704: Helloo!](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1704-helloo.md)
- **Published:** 2024-10-17
- **Time:** 1:21:40–1:23:18
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1704-helloo/chapter/redefining-fascism-the-view-and-merriam-webster.md

The hosts critique a segment from "The View" where the term "fascism" was redefined specifically as a "far-right" movement. This follows a trend of dictionaries like Merriam-Webster updating definitions to align with current political narratives. The discussion argues that the actual characteristics of fascism—forcible suppression of opposition and economic regimentation—are being ignored in favor of partisan labeling.

Keywords: [fascism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/fascism.md), [the view](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/the-view.md), [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), political definitions, [authoritarianism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/authoritarianism.md)

### Merriam-Webster Word of the Year and "Authentic"

- **Episode:** [1612: Global Donut](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1612-global-donut.md)
- **Published:** 2023-12-06
- **Time:** 2:13:11–2:15:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1612-global-donut/chapter/merriam-webster-word-of-the-year-and-authentic.md

Merriam-Webster names "authentic" as the word of the year for 2023, citing high search volume. The hosts express skepticism about the dictionary's data and suggest that "indict" would have been a more culturally relevant choice given the year's news events.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [word of the year](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/word-of-the-year.md), authentic, [deepfake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/deepfake.md), indict, [dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dictionary.md)

### Dictionary Changes, Decimate vs. Devastate and Merriam-Webster

- **Episode:** [1580: Coup Map](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1580-coup-map.md)
- **Published:** 2023-08-10
- **Time:** 1:11:57–1:14:43
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1580-coup-map/chapter/dictionary-changes-decimate-vs-devastate-and-merriam-webster.md

Modern dictionaries, including Merriam-Webster and the Oxford English Dictionary, have updated the definition of "decimate" to include widespread destruction. Historically, the term referred specifically to the removal of one-tenth of a group. Linguists note that the word is now commonly accepted as a synonym for "devastate," reflecting changes in popular usage over time.

Keywords: [decimate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/decimate.md), [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [oxford english dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oxford-english-dictionary.md), [etymology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/etymology.md), [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md)

### Language Scrutiny, Merriam-Webster Critique, COVID-19 Refuge

- **Episode:** [1535: Podspeeding](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1535-podspeeding.md)
- **Published:** 2023-03-05
- **Time:** 2:24:00–2:28:04
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1535-podspeeding/chapter/language-scrutiny-merriam-webster-critique-covid-19-refuge.md

Donors express appreciation for the show's scrutiny of loaded language and its critique of Merriam-Webster. Other listeners describe the podcast as a "refuge" of sanity that they discovered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dictionary.md), [language](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/language.md), [covid-19](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/covid-19.md), [long island](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-island.md)

### Heart Disease in Women, Maternal Mortality and Dictionary Definitions

- **Episode:** [1527: Grip & Grin](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1527-grip-grin.md)
- **Published:** 2023-02-05
- **Time:** 1:29:56–1:37:51
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1527-grip-grin/chapter/heart-disease-in-women-maternal-mortality-and-dictionary-definitions.md

Medical experts highlight that heart disease is the leading killer of new mothers in the US, contributing to a maternal mortality crisis. The segment also critiques the changing definitions of words like "epidemic" and "violence" in modern dictionaries like Merriam-Webster. There is a focus on how ideological shifts influence medical terminology and public health reporting.

Keywords: [heart disease](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/heart-disease.md), [cpr](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/cpr.md), maternal mortality, [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [epidemic](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/epidemic.md), [violence](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/violence.md)

### Merriam-Webster New Words and Zika Remix

- **Episode:** [1485: Gender Journey](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1485-gender-journey.md)
- **Published:** 2022-09-11
- **Time:** 2:42:13–2:45:47
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1485-gender-journey/chapter/merriam-webster-new-words-and-zika-remix.md

Merriam-Webster adds 370 new words and terms to its dictionary, including "adorkable," "shrinkflation," "janky," and "emergency use authorization." The episode concludes with a musical remix centered on the Zika virus and the "small heads" narrative from previous years.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), adorkable, [shrinkflation](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/shrinkflation.md), janky, [zika](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/zika.md)

### Merriam-Webster Dictionary, New Words and Pandemic Terminology

- **Episode:** [1395: Inflation Demon](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1395-inflation-demon.md)
- **Published:** 2021-10-31
- **Time:** 17:42–25:27
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1395-inflation-demon/chapter/merriam-webster-dictionary-new-words-and-pandemic-terminology.md

Merriam-Webster added 455 new words to its dictionary in 2021, heavily featuring pandemic-related terminology such as "long COVID," "vaccine passport," and "breakthrough." The update also codified internet culture terms including "de-platform," "digital nomad," and "copypasta," alongside the political term "vote-a-rama." A discussion of the term "small ball" highlighted its origins in 1970s baseball strategy under manager Billy Martin before its modern adoption in basketball and general goal-setting contexts.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [long covid](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/long-covid.md), [vaccine passport](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine-passport.md), de-platform, copypasta

### Trump on Military Insubordination, Decimate Definition

- **Episode:** [1359: Sheep Dipping](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1359-sheep-dipping.md)
- **Published:** 2021-06-27
- **Time:** 44:20–48:14
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1359-sheep-dipping/chapter/trump-on-military-insubordination-decimate-definition.md

Donald Trump mocked the current military leadership, suggesting privates will soon refuse orders from generals. He also praised the Space Force, noting that Russia and China are competing "big league." The hosts digress into a linguistic correction of Trump's frequent use of the word "decimated," noting its historical definition of removing 10% versus the modern usage of total destruction.

Keywords: [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), military brass, [space force](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/space-force.md), [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [decimate](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/decimate.md), big league

### Merriam-Webster Definition Changes, Vaccine Side Effects

- **Episode:** [1346: Maxinated](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1346-maxinated.md)
- **Published:** 2021-05-14
- **Time:** 42:34–45:14
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1346-maxinated/chapter/merriam-webster-definition-changes-vaccine-side-effects.md

The Merriam-Webster dictionary has updated its definition of "anti-vaxxer" to include those who oppose vaccine mandates. Additionally, the hosts discuss reports of unusual side effects, including a listener's anecdote and a Sky News report linking COVID-19 to erectile dysfunction.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [anti-vaxxer](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/anti-vaxxer.md), [erectile dysfunction](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/erectile-dysfunction.md), [sky news](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sky-news.md), [dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dictionary.md), [side effects](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/side-effects.md)

### Type 1 Diabetes and Viral Triggers

- **Episode:** [1327: China Chopper](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1327-china-chopper.md)
- **Published:** 2021-03-07
- **Time:** 1:23:35–1:27:03
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1327-china-chopper/chapter/type-1-diabetes-and-viral-triggers.md

A nurse contributor suggests that Type 1 diabetes can be triggered by viral insults, specifically enteroviruses like SARS-CoV-2. The segment also notes that Merriam-Webster has officially recognized the word "anyways" as proper usage, much to the chagrin of linguistic traditionalists.

Keywords: [type 1 diabetes](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/type-1-diabetes.md), enterovirus, [autoimmune disease](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/autoimmune-disease.md), [medical research](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/medical-research.md), [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md)

### Merriam-Webster Vaccine Definition Change

- **Episode:** [1318: Jab and Go](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1318-jab-and-go.md)
- **Published:** 2021-02-04
- **Time:** 43:37–45:59
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1318-jab-and-go/chapter/merriam-webster-vaccine-definition-change.md

Merriam-Webster updated its definition of "vaccine" to include preparations of genetic material, such as messenger RNA (mRNA). The previous definition emphasized providing immunity, whereas the new version focuses on stimulating an immune response or the production of antigenic substances. Critics argue this change was made to accommodate mRNA technology, which functions differently than traditional attenuated virus vaccines.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [vaccine definition](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/vaccine-definition.md), [mrna](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mrna.md), [immunity](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/immunity.md), [antibodies](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/antibodies.md)

### Merriam-Webster, Irregardless Definition, Dictionary Copyrights

- **Episode:** [1290: Hairy Legs](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1290-hairy-legs.md)
- **Published:** 2020-10-31
- **Time:** 1:03:25–1:06:48
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1290-hairy-legs/chapter/merriam-webster-irregardless-definition-dictionary-copyrights.md

The evolution of the word "irregardless" in modern dictionaries is discussed following a clip of Megyn Kelly using the term. While Merriam-Webster now recognizes it as a word due to 200 years of usage, the Oxford English Dictionary still advises against its use by "careful users." The segment also touches on the fact that dictionaries are copyrighted works, requiring each publisher to write unique definitions.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), irregardless, [oxford english dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/oxford-english-dictionary.md), [linguistics](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/linguistics.md), copyrights

### Amy Coney Barrett Hearings and Merriam-Webster Definition Change

- **Episode:** [1287: School-ology](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1287-school-ology.md)
- **Published:** 2020-10-23
- **Time:** 2:07:29–2:14:20
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1287-school-ology/chapter/amy-coney-barrett-hearings-and-merriam-webster-definition-change.md

During confirmation hearings, Senator Maisie Hirono criticized Amy Coney Barrett for using the term "sexual preference," labeling it an offensive slur. Within hours of the exchange, Merriam-Webster updated its online dictionary to categorize the term as "offensive." This rapid change is criticized as an example of social justice activism influencing institutional language standards, despite the term's common usage by Democrats in the recent past.

Keywords: [amy coney barrett](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/amy-coney-barrett.md), [maisie hirono](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/maisie-hirono.md), [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), sexual preference, [ben shapiro](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/ben-shapiro.md)

### China Daily "Flibbertigibbet" Insult and Word of the Day

- **Episode:** [1263: Flibbertigibbet](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1263-flibbertigibbet.md)
- **Published:** 2020-07-26
- **Time:** 2:09:05–2:12:02
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1263-flibbertigibbet/chapter/china-daily-flibbertigibbet-insult-and-word-of-the-day.md

The state-run China Daily referred to Mike Pompeo as a "flibbertigibbet," prompting an etymological breakdown of the word. Originally meaning a "silly flighty person" or "gossip," the term's history includes references in Shakespeare's King Lear and 19th-century literature.

Keywords: [china daily](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/china-daily.md), flibbertigibbet, [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [mike pompeo](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/mike-pompeo.md), [etymology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/etymology.md)

### Merriam-Webster Racism Definition, John C. Dvorak Nerd Etymology

- **Episode:** [1251: Viewpoint Discrimination](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1251-viewpoint-discrimination.md)
- **Published:** 2020-06-18
- **Time:** 1:37–6:11
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1251-viewpoint-discrimination/chapter/merriam-webster-racism-definition-john-c-dvorak-nerd-etymology.md

Merriam-Webster updated its definition of racism following a request from a Missouri woman, adding entries regarding systemic and institutional racism. This prompt's a story from one of the hosts regarding his role in changing the dictionary definition of the word nerd, which he traced back to the 1950 Dr. Seuss book If I Ran the Zoo.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), [dr. seuss](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dr-seuss.md), [nerd](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nerd.md), [etymology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/etymology.md)

### Merriam-Webster Revises Definition of Racism

- **Episode:** [1250: Noodle Nation](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1250-noodle-nation.md)
- **Published:** 2020-06-14
- **Time:** 29:57–33:10
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1250-noodle-nation/chapter/merriam-webster-revises-definition-of-racism.md

Merriam-Webster agreed to revise its dictionary definition of racism after receiving an email from Kennedy Meacham, a recent college graduate from Missouri. Meacham argued that the existing definition was inadequate because it did not explicitly include the concept of systemic oppression. The editor of the dictionary confirmed that a draft for a more comprehensive entry is currently being developed to reflect institutional factors.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), kennedy meacham, [dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dictionary.md), systemic oppression

### Sociology Professor, Critical Race Theory, and Redefining Racism

- **Episode:** [1190: Olive Theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1190-olive-theory.md)
- **Published:** 2019-11-17
- **Time:** 46:28–51:24
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1190-olive-theory/chapter/sociology-professor-critical-race-theory-and-redefining-racism.md

A segment from "Watters' World" featuring a sociology professor is reviewed, focusing on the claim that math and the United States are inherently racist. The professor argues that the definition of racism has evolved beyond individual belief in superiority to encompass systemic structures. The hosts interpret this as a mechanism for social control and a restriction on free speech.

Keywords: [jesse watters](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/jesse-watters.md), [critical race theory](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/critical-race-theory.md), [sociology](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/sociology.md), [racism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/racism.md), [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), math is racist

### Merriam-Webster Dictionary, New Word Definitions

- **Episode:** [1132: False meme-ification](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1132-false-meme-ification.md)
- **Published:** 2019-04-26
- **Time:** 2:06:13–2:10:38
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1132-false-meme-ification/chapter/merriam-webster-dictionary-new-word-definitions.md

Merriam-Webster has added several new words and updated definitions for existing terms, including "snowflake," "gig economy," and "vulture capitalism." The hosts debate the novelty of these terms, noting that many have been in common usage for years.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dictionary.md), [snowflake](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/snowflake.md), [gig economy](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/gig-economy.md), [screen time](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/screen-time.md)

### Merriam-Webster Dictionary Redefines Nationalism and Jingoism

- **Episode:** [1087: Hippie Hummus](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1087-hippie-hummus.md)
- **Published:** 2018-11-18
- **Time:** 4:07–7:06
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1087-hippie-hummus/chapter/merriam-webster-dictionary-redefines-nationalism-and-jingoism.md

Merriam-Webster and other online dictionaries have updated the definition of nationalism to emphasize "excessive favoritism" and associations with Nazism. The hosts argue that these linguistic shifts are politically motivated responses to leaders like Donald Trump, Emmanuel Macron, and Justin Trudeau. The term jingoism is discussed as a more historically accurate but less frequently used alternative for extreme patriotism.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [nationalism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nationalism.md), [nazism](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/nazism.md), jingoism, [dictionary](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/dictionary.md), [donald trump](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/donald-trump.md), [emmanuel macron](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/emmanuel-macron.md)

### Merriam-Webster Assault Rifle Definition Change

- **Episode:** [1022: LibJoe](https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1022-libjoe.md)
- **Published:** 2018-04-05
- **Time:** 44:33–47:08
- **Transcript:** https://search.noagendashow.net/episode/1022-libjoe/chapter/merriam-webster-assault-rifle-definition-change.md

Merriam-Webster updated its definition of "assault rifle" to include firearms that merely "resemble" military weapons. Additionally, reports indicate that permits for the "March for Our Lives" rally in Washington D.C. were secured months before the Parkland shooting occurred, leading the hosts to question the organic nature of the movement.

Keywords: [merriam-webster](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/merriam-webster.md), [assault rifle](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/assault-rifle.md), definition, [march for our lives](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/march-for-our-lives.md), [permits](https://search.noagendashow.net/topic/permits.md)

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