New words – 9 June 2014

vanityheight

vanity height noun extra height added on to a skyscraper merely to look impressive, having no useful purpose

Let’s take a look at a few of the skyscrapers that have the highest vanity heights.

[http://wonderfulengineering.com 31 October 2013]

 

 

 

 

 

 

swacket noun a sweater-like jacket

‘I put on a swacket.’ ‘A swacket. What’s a swacket?’ ‘It’s a sweater jacket.’ ‘Oh wow. Is that what all the kids are doing now?’ ‘Yes. That is how I was told to dress, yes. I am wise, I listen to my girlfriend.’

[Colbert Report (US comedy and satire) 15 November 2013]

Tabata noun a form of exercise which alternates short periods of high-intensity exercise with short rests

Get fit with only 4 minutes of exercise four times a week. Yes please! Tabata is comprised of [sic] an aerobic and anaerobic workout, meaning it will give you both a cardio and a muscle workout.

[Grazia (UK celebrity magazine) 02 December 2013]

4 thoughts on “New words – 9 June 2014

  1. All three words describe phenomena that have been around for decades. I see no reason to coin new terminology.

    For instance, the official height of skyscrapers is determined by the Tall Buildings Council, a group of architects based in Chicago. Their main criterion: what is part of the permanent structure and what is a “temporary addition.” Here in New York, for instance, this means that the Empire State Building is 1250 feet tall, even though the broadcasting antenna on its roof adds another 200 feet. The antenna has, in fact, been replaced twice in the building’s history..

  2. Pingback: (EN) – New words: 9 June 2014 | Cambridge University Press | Glossarissimo!

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