Code Switch Racist slurs, naughty words, and how dictionary editors define them
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Oct 22, 2025 
Join journalist Stefan Fatsis, author of 'Unabridged,' as he dives into the world of slurs and the editorial battles behind their definitions. Discover how dictionary editors navigate heated debates over terms like the N-word and why its lookups spiked recently. Fatsis shares insights on the evolution of language, from controversial entries like 'ain't' to the ongoing discussions about gendered terms. He also highlights the challenges faced by lexicographers in the digital age, including the threats posed by AI and declining staffing.
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Inside Merriam-Webster’s Archive
- Stefan Fatsis embedded at Merriam-Webster and examined their archival slips and cabinets about contentious words.
- He found over a linear foot of slips on the N-word showing sustained editorial debate across editions.
Dictionaries As Guides Not Governors
- Lexicographers split between describing usage and prescribing correct usage, revealing dictionaries are inherently political.
- Merriam-Webster sees itself as a guide documenting how words are used rather than enforcing rules.
Who Carries Offense Matters
- Labels like "usually taken to be offensive" reflect a shift toward recognizing recipients' perspectives.
- Editors struggled with phrasing because early definitions centered the speaker, not those offended.
