A little more than a year into Trump's presidency, Merriam-Webster adds 'dumpster fire' to dictionary

Editors | USA TODAY

Show Caption Hide Caption 'Mansplain' and many other words added to Merriam-Webster's dictionary As society develops, so does our dialogue. Merriam-Webster is adding 850 new words to it's dictionary, including mansplain, wordie and cryptocurrency.

Now you can look it up

President Trump said the "chaos" everyone thinks has taken over the White House is actually "great energy." He also said more is coming. Trump tweeted Tuesday that staff turnover and infighting are part of the normal course of business, and we should expect additional dismissals. This "energy" is what's lead some to declare Trump's presidency a "dumpster fire." Coincidentally, Merriam-Webster announced this week that dumpster fire was one of 850 new terms added to the dictionary. It's defined as "an utterly calamitous or mismanaged situation or occurrence."

Could President Trump and Kim Jong Un make nice?

Over the past year, the world has witnessed President Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un trade barbs ranging from name-calling to open suggestions of war. But there may be a sign that relations between the two countries could improve. On Tuesday, South Korea's government said North Korea is willing to talk to the U.S. about abandoning its nuclear weapons program. Trump said in a tweet the development could be "progress" or "false hope." The U.S. has constantly demanded North Korea give up its nukes. North Korea has yet to confirm the announcement.

Nor'easter part deux

It's not going to be as bad as last week's "bomb cyclone," but another powerful nor'easter is headed for the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for eastern Pennsylvania to most of New England, from late Tuesday into Thursday morning. More than 36 million people live where a warning, watch or advisory has been issued. This is not the news that utility companies wanted to hear. Many are still restoring power to tens of thousands of customers in the Northeast after last week’s storm.

Barbie kicks up the feminism

In the past several years, Barbie has been all about empowerment feminism. Mattel, the maker of America's most iconic doll, introduced more body types, skin tones and occupations. Now, ahead of International Women's Day on Thursday, the company announced its launching 17 dolls honoring "historical and modern-day role models from around the world," including legendary artist Frida Kahlo and Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim. Will the company's moves be enough to win over parents concerned Barbie is a negative influence on body image? Verdict's not in yet.

When billionaires look for things

A team led by billionaire Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen said it found the wreck of a famed aircraft carrier that sank during World War II. Allen said it discovered the USS Lexington, which went down in 1942’s Battle of the Coral Sea with the loss of more than 200 sailors. The ship won't be disturbed because the site is considered a war grave.

When people who aren't billionaires find things

That can work out, too. A family walking across the dunes on a remote Western Australian beach spotted something sticking out of the sand they couldn't ignore. Tonya Illman said she discovered a note, written in German, "damp, rolled tightly and wrapped with string." The Western Australian Museum said it's the world's oldest message in a bottle, tossed overboard in 1886.

The Short List is a compilation of stories from across USA TODAY.

Want to get The Short List in your inbox each day? Sign up here.

