Other words added to dictionary include "e-cigarette" and "twitterati"

Several new words were added to the historic Oxford English Dictionary this week, including a term you've probably heard before -- "Masshole."Things New Englanders say differentlyThe term was added to the dictionary as a noun and is considered vulgar slang that is "a contemptuous term for a native or inhabitant of the state of Massachusetts."Other new entries announced Thursday include social media term "twitterati" and smokers' helper "e-cigarette."The term "twerking" was also added, and although the word has recently gained global fame thanks to Miley Cyrus, the word's origins actually go back almost 200 years.The dictionary now describes twerking as dancing "in a sexually provocative manner, using thrusting movements of the bottom and hips while in a low, squatting stance."It had previously listed the word as referring to a twisting or jerking movement or twitch. Researchers found it used as a noun with that meaning in 1820, spelled "twirk."It became a verb by 1848, and the "twerk" spelling was popularly used by 1901.Senior editor Fiona McPherson called revelations about the word's roots "quite spectacular."She said the word as a description of a dance has its roots in the 1990s New Orleans music scene.

Several new words were added to the historic Oxford English Dictionary this week, including a term you've probably heard before -- "Masshole."

Things New Englanders say differently

Advertisement Related Content Things New Englanders say differently

The term was added to the dictionary as a noun and is considered vulgar slang that is "a contemptuous term for a native or inhabitant of the state of Massachusetts."

Other new entries announced Thursday include social media term "twitterati" and smokers' helper "e-cigarette."

The term "twerking" was also added, and although the word has recently gained global fame thanks to Miley Cyrus, the word's origins actually go back almost 200 years.

The dictionary now describes twerking as dancing "in a sexually provocative manner, using thrusting movements of the bottom and hips while in a low, squatting stance."

It had previously listed the word as referring to a twisting or jerking movement or twitch.

Researchers found it used as a noun with that meaning in 1820, spelled "twirk."



It became a verb by 1848, and the "twerk" spelling was popularly used by 1901.

Senior editor Fiona McPherson called revelations about the word's roots "quite spectacular."

She said the word as a description of a dance has its roots in the 1990s New Orleans music scene.