Ginormous

[yendi]

One of my British science podcasts -- either The Guardian's Science Weekly or BBC's Science in Action -- actually used the word "Ginormous."

I'd assumed that it was an example of recent slang slipping into usage, but a quick Google revealed that it's been in use since 1948 (and check out the comments from various enraged prescriptivists).

Then I checked the OED (I won't bother with a link, since I get it through work), to discover that the phrase " ginormous £1,700 billion" had appeared in The Economist nearly 35 years ago. So yeah, it's no longer even close to the common slang I'd been assuming. Color me surprised.

Comments

[arielstarshadow.livejournal.com]

*sigh* I wish I had access to the OED.

[yendi]

It's been a perk at every job I have, and one of my favorite ones (even if it's not exactly as vital as health insurance).

[feste-sylvain.livejournal.com]

Now check out that train-wreck "absitively". I know that it was used in a song from a musical at least forty years ago, but it's probably much older than that.

[jerel.livejournal.com]

I had no idea it dated back that far. I ASSumed it was a relatively recent invention.

I've now learned two new things today. One more and I can go back to bed. :)

[cissa.livejournal.com]

I first encountered it in a book written in 1978 ("Happy All the Time", Laurie Colwin). I think it was described as Brit WWII slang.