
Fiona McPherson
Senior editor at the Oxford English Dictionary. Works on adding new words to the OED.
Best podcasts with Fiona McPherson
Ranked by the Snipd community

Aug 7, 2025 • 17min
New words: 'beer muscles' & 'waka jumpers,' with Fiona McPherson.
Fiona McPherson, a senior editor at the Oxford English Dictionary, joins the conversation to introduce playful new entries including 'beer muscles' and 'waka jumpers.' She explains how these terms reflect cultural trends and highlight the evolution of language. The discussion touches on the dictionary's effort to document global English, embracing diverse colloquialisms. Listeners are treated to engaging book recommendations, rounding out a delightful exploration of language and literature.

Nov 14, 2024 • 28min
'Beer' words in the OED, with Fiona McPherson
Fiona McPherson, a Senior Editor at the Oxford English Dictionary, sheds light on the newly added beer-related words like "boozeroo" and "beerage." She dives into the fascinating history behind these terms, revealing their surprising origins and cultural significance. Fiona discusses how language evolves with trends, the playful connections among words, and the role of digital resources in modern lexicography. She emphasizes the importance of documenting even obsolete words, showcasing the OED's commitment to preserving the richness of the English language.