convo
Meaning
An informal shortened form of “conversation.”
Tone & use
Common in casual speech and messages; choose “conversation” in formal writing.
Example
“We had a quick convo about how to divide the group project.”
NeutralInformal
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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1New Words in Scrabble: How English Keeps Changing
Explore informal vocabulary and how dictionaries decide which words to include.
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Words and Their Stories · 5:08
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
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A November 2022 report describes 500 additions to the Official Scrabble Players Dictionary, including informal forms such as “convo,” “sitch,” and “stan.” The article offers a snapshot of how word lists evolve as usage changes. A word accepted in a particular game dictionary is not automatically appropriate in every conversation or formal text.
Cultural note: The examples and dictionary count are from the 2022 report and may not reflect a current edition. “Dox” relates to publishing someone’s private identifying information, which can put them at risk; treat it as a harmful action, not harmless internet slang. “Stan” can be a noun or verb in informal fan culture.
Keep exploringA word can feel new in conversation long before everyone agrees how to spell it—or whether it belongs in a game dictionary.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Explore the expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Short informal forms
Understand clipped words used in casual speech and messages.
sitch
Meaning
An informal shortened form of “situation.”
Tone & use
Casual slang, especially in conversation or online. It may sound too familiar in professional writing.
Example
“The meeting room is double-booked, so we need to figure out a new sitch.”
NeutralVery informal
stan
Meaning
A very enthusiastic fan; also used as a verb meaning to admire someone intensely.
Tone & use
Informal and often playful. Use it where the audience understands contemporary fan slang.
Example
“My cousins stan that science-fiction series and discuss every episode.”
PositiveInformal / slang
Online language with care
Recognize terms whose meanings involve real harm.
dox
Meaning
Publish someone’s private identifying information online without permission.
Tone & use
Describes a harmful privacy violation. Do not treat it as a joke or share private details; the 2022 article reports it as a dictionary addition.
Example
“The platform removed the post because it attempted to dox a community member.”
NegativeInformal / online term
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