Erin McKean

Erin McKean, a lexicographer and the founder of Wordnik, dives into the fascinating world of dictionary-making. She reveals how Wordnik invites users to contribute words and definitions, embodying a collaborative spirit of language. Erin discusses the innovative 'adopt a word' initiative, which fosters personal connections to language, and the shift of Wordnik to a nonprofit model. They also explore the impact of AI on dictionaries, showcasing how technology shapes our understanding of language today.

Join Erin McKean, founder of Wordnik and Google open source enthusiast, as she delves into the evolving landscape of dictionaries amid AI's rise. Explore whether AI can truly replace lexicographers and uncover the environmental costs of training these systems. Erin also shares her journey from fashion blogging to lexicography, with insights on the significance of pockets in dresses and her favorite literary inspirations. This discussion beautifully weaves personal anecdotes with the future of language processing and community engagement.