Definitions give trends
staying power

The abbreviation DVR, which stands for "digital video recorder," made its way into the hallowed annals of Merriam-Webster this year, according to Discovery Channel News.

Other inclusions into the yearly collegiate dictionary list included "ginormous," an adjective combining "gigantic" and "enormous"; "crunk," a Southern-born form of rap; "telenovelas," or Latin-American soap operas; and "smackdowns" - contests in staged wrestling matches.

Inclusion in the Merriam-Webster adds legitimacy, and to some degree longevity, to vernacular conceived by technology, pop culture and current events.