Should 'Simpsons' word be official?

"Meh" is defined as an expression of indifference or boredom. "Meh" was first introduced on a popular TV show, "The Simpsons." Its popularity as a socially used term grew after a 2001 episode in which Lisa and Bart responded with "meh" to Homer's suggestion for a day trip.

In fact, is popularity has spread beyond the borders of North America, through the Internet and TV, and is entering British spoken English.

Publisher HarperCollins announced the word "meh" was chosen, from terms suggested by the public, for inclusion in the dictionary's 30th anniversary edition to be published next year. What is the world coming to when made-up words on TV shows become part of our official language? What's next? Will more socially popular expressions from TV, the Internet, or other sources make their way to the dictionary? What are the qualifications for accepting such a word? "Foohey" is an expression that has been around for ages, and I do not see that entering the dictionary any time soon. It is a bit embarrassing and concerning to know that such an expression, with its only real known origin being cartoon characters on a TV show, can qualify to be an official word. I guess maybe we should be thankful this time it is just "meh" and not some of the more vulgar choices that are becoming increasingly popular in TV shows, movies, music, the Internet, etc. Let's hope things don't become much more "meh."

Matt Hassan

Wheaton