You Down With OED? | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts dive into the fascinating world of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED). They explore the history, evolution, and immense size of the dictionary, as well as the collaborative effort involved in its creation. Along the way, they also discuss intriguing topics such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the story of Dr. William Chester Minor, a contributor to the OED. Join them as they unravel the mysteries and complexities of the English language.

Main Takeaways

The Evolution of the Oxford English Dictionary

• The OED is a historical dictionary that traces the evolution of words over time.
• It contains over 600,000 entries, 850,000 definitions, and 3 million quotations.
• The first edition of the OED was completed in 1928 and was as large as the encyclopedia Britannicus.
• The OED’s third edition is housed online and new words are constantly added through quarterly supplements.

The Collaborative Effort Behind the OED

• The OED has always been a crowd-sourced work, with editors collaborating from the beginning.
• The dictionary sought public assistance in finding word usages and examples, creating a collaborative approach to dictionary building.
• Quotes from various sources, including Chaucer, Shakespeare, social media posts, and news segments, are used to illustrate word usage.
• The OED has been in production for over 100 years, with the first edition released in 1884.

The Story of Dr. William Chester Minor

• Dr. Minor, a contributor to the OED, suffered from schizophrenia spectrum disorder in the 19th century.
• Despite his mental illness, he made significant contributions to the dictionary by meticulously searching through rare books for specific words.
• His relationship with the editor, James Murray, went beyond professional, and they eventually met in person.
• The tragic aspects of Dr. Minor’s life shed light on the historical understanding and treatment of mental illness.

The Fascinating World of the English Language

• The Oxford English Dictionary showcases the living nature of the English language by including old definitions and reflecting language evolution.
• The dictionary’s immense size, with 600,000 entries and 850,000 definitions, makes it a comprehensive collection of English words.
• The OED’s transition to an online subscription-based format allows for continuous updates and the inclusion of new words.
• The podcast also touches on other intriguing topics such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Summary

The Evolution of the Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is a historical dictionary that not only provides word definitions but also traces the evolution of words over time. With over 600,000 entries, 850,000 definitions, and 3 million quotations, the OED is an extensive collection of English words. The first edition, completed in 1928, was as large as the encyclopedia Britannicus. The OED’s third edition is now housed online, allowing for constant updates and the addition of new words through quarterly supplements.

The Collaborative Effort Behind the OED

From its inception, the OED has been a collaborative work. Editors have relied on public assistance in finding word usages and examples, creating a truly crowd-sourced approach to dictionary building. Quotes from various sources, ranging from classical literature to social media posts, are used to illustrate word usage. The OED’s production spans over 100 years, with the first edition released in 1884.

The Story of Dr. William Chester Minor

Dr. William Chester Minor, a contributor to the OED, had a unique and tragic story. Suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorder in the 19th century, he made significant contributions to the dictionary by meticulously searching through rare books for specific words. His relationship with the editor, James Murray, went beyond professional, and they eventually met in person. Dr. Minor’s life sheds light on the historical understanding and treatment of mental illness.

The Fascinating World of the English Language

The Oxford English Dictionary reflects the living nature of the English language by including old definitions and showcasing language evolution. Its immense size, with 600,000 entries and 850,000 definitions, makes it a comprehensive collection of English words. The OED’s transition to an online subscription-based format allows for continuous updates and the inclusion of new words. The podcast also touches on other intriguing topics, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

Conclusion

The Oxford English Dictionary is not just a dictionary but a historical record of the English language. Its evolution, collaborative nature, and vast collection of words make it a fascinating resource for language enthusiasts. The stories of contributors like Dr. William Chester Minor highlight the human element behind the creation of such a monumental work. As the English language continues to evolve, the OED remains an essential tool for understanding and appreciating its richness.