Urban Dictionary is a quirky, user-driven online dictionary that captures the essence of modern slang and pop culture. Ever wondered where that weird phrase your friend used came from? Chances are, it's on Urban Dictionary. Founded in 1999 by Aaron Peckham, this platform allows anyone to submit definitions for words or phrases, making it a living, breathing snapshot of contemporary language. Unlike traditional dictionaries, Urban Dictionary thrives on humor, creativity, and sometimes, a bit of irreverence. Whether you're looking to decode internet jargon or just have a laugh, Urban Dictionary has something for everyone. Ready to dive into some fun facts? Let's go!
What is Urban Dictionary?
Urban Dictionary is a crowdsourced online dictionary for slang words and phrases. It was founded in 1999 by Aaron Peckham. Unlike traditional dictionaries, Urban Dictionary captures the ever-evolving language of the internet, pop culture, and everyday life.
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Urban Dictionary was created in 1999 by Aaron Peckham, a computer science student at Cal Poly.
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The platform allows anyone to submit definitions, making it a crowdsourced dictionary.
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Urban Dictionary has over 12 million definitions, covering a wide range of slang and colloquial expressions.
How Does Urban Dictionary Work?
Urban Dictionary operates on user submissions and votes. Definitions can be added by anyone, and the community votes on the accuracy and humor of each entry.
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Users can submit new words or phrases along with their definitions.
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Each definition can be voted up or down by other users, influencing its visibility.
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The site has a moderation system to filter out offensive or inappropriate content.
Popularity and Cultural Impact
Urban Dictionary has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing how people understand and use slang.
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The site receives millions of visitors each month, making it a go-to resource for understanding modern slang.
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Urban Dictionary entries have been cited in court cases to explain slang terms.
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Many celebrities and public figures have their own entries, often created by fans or critics.
Unique Features of Urban Dictionary
Urban Dictionary offers several unique features that set it apart from traditional dictionaries.
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Each word or phrase can have multiple definitions, reflecting different perspectives and uses.
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Users can add example sentences to show how a word or phrase is used in context.
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The site includes a "Word of the Day" feature, highlighting a new slang term daily.
Criticisms and Controversies
Despite its popularity, Urban Dictionary has faced criticism and controversy over the years.
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Some critics argue that the open submission model leads to inaccurate or offensive definitions.
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The site has been accused of perpetuating stereotypes and offensive language.
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Urban Dictionary has taken steps to address these issues, including implementing stricter moderation policies.
The Final Scoop on Urban Dictionary
Urban Dictionary isn't just a quirky website; it's a cultural phenomenon. With its user-generated content, it captures the ever-changing slang and lingo of our times. From hilarious definitions to insightful social commentary, it offers a unique glimpse into modern language. Whether you're looking to understand the latest slang or just want a good laugh, Urban Dictionary has something for everyone.
It's a testament to how language evolves and how people communicate in creative ways. So next time you stumble upon a word or phrase you don't get, give Urban Dictionary a visit. You'll not only learn its meaning but also get a taste of the humor and creativity that define our era.
Urban Dictionary is more than a dictionary; it's a living record of our collective voice.
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