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One of the principal virtues of English is its malleability and easy incorporation of new words, and new meanings for old ones. The language has been constantly changing, enriched by each wave of immigration and by exposure to other languages, most notably during the days of the British Empire. 1
The rate of change has accelerated recently with the advent of electronic media. Coupled with this has been the development of urban slang, tracked by online publications such as the Urban Dictionary 2 New terms can be derived from existing words or from popular culture (especially film, television, and the internet). Just as doctors need to familiarise themselves with new words arising from new concepts and technologies they need to keep up with changing usages and slang.
But it can be hard, 3 particularly for those who don't recognise the references. Here is a small selection of new terms in current use. I would be delighted to hear of more. (No personal inventions, please.)
404 moment
The point in a ward round when-despite all efforts to look through the notes or access electronic systems-a particular result cannot be located. (From the world wide web error message "404 document not found.")
Adminosphere
The pleasantly decorated and furnished palatial...