From troll to froyo, Merriam-Webster Dictionary adds 250 new words

It's official - you can now use the word "troll" to describe someone without being accused of not using actual words.

The same word that used to refer to a cave-dwelling creature is now recognised as a legitimate way to describe netizens who post irrelevant or agonising content on the internet.

And it's all thanks to Merriam-Webster for adding 250 new words to its online dictionary on Sept 19.

Other words that made the cut include "froyo", "front", "pregame", "hive mind" and even the popular Thai chilli sauce "sriracha".

Even "alt-right" nabbed a spot on the list.

Those who kept up with Donald Trump and his presidential campaign back in 2016 would be familiar with the term.

Back in February, Merriam-Webster had already introduced 1,000 new words.

Here's a short list of some of the new words added this month:

Bibimbap - a traditional Korean rice dish that's cooked with vegetables, meat and with either a raw or fried egg on top

Froyo - frozen yogurt

Pregame - to start drinking alcohol before a night out or parties

Troll - a type of internet user who criticises, harasses or antagonises someone publicly

Alt-right - a right-wing, primarily online political movement or grouping based in the US where members reject mainstream conservative politics

Hive mind - collective thoughts, ideas or opinions of a group of people (scroll through Twitter to get a good idea of this)

Dog whistle - an expression or statement that has a secondary meaning intended to be understood only by a certain group of people

Ransomware - malware that requires victims to pay a ransom to access encrypted files

Choux pastry - a very light, egg-based dough used to make pastries

Internet of Things - the networking capability that allows information to be sent to and received from objects and devices (such as fixtures and kitchen appliances) using the internet

Concealed carry - the act or practice of carrying a concealed firearm in public or the legal right to do so

Front - to assume a fake or false personality to conceal one's true identity and character

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