Home » , » Know a 'gomer' from a 'DSTO'? Oxford Dictionary appeals for work slang

Know a 'gomer' from a 'DSTO'? Oxford Dictionary appeals for work slang

Written By Unknown on Thursday, January 31, 2019 | 12:17 PM

Reference book calls for public’s help to source fresh specialist vernacular from across working life

The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is launching a public appeal to help illuminate the sometimes impenetrable terminology used by different professions, from healthcare workers’ calling difficult patients “gomers” (an acronym for Get Out of My Emergency Room) to what exactly builders are up to when they “dob and dab”.

On Thursday, the dictionary called on doctors, firefighters, builders, shopkeepers, teachers, plumbers, marketers and other workers to send in the words and expressions they use at work. “The OED already includes many terms from all kinds of trades and professions but there are many more that have not yet come to our attention – and that’s why we’re asking for your help,” it said.

Related: Squaring the circle on jargon. Why do we speak in riddles at work?

Continue reading...

0 comments:

Post a Comment