'Big society' makes it into Brewer's Dictionary

Lord's Sugar's famous catchphrase "You're fired" and children's book character the Gruffalo also feature in the book, which is released today.

For the first time, the new Brewer's contains an intriguing supplement called Brewer's Gems - facts, fables and curiosities from Brewer collections of the past since its first edition in 1870.

Brewer's Gems lists esoteric and entertaining entries, from curious customs to intriguing expressions, strange beliefs and superstitions and political alliances of yesteryear.

Many new phrases to appear in the 19th edition of the dictionary refer to the state of the economy in the country, such as double-dip, downsize and quantitative easing, while other more light-hearted additions include meh and mash up.

It has been edited by Countdown dictionary expert Susie Dent, who has written a number of books on the English language.

She said: "You might say that entry into Brewer's Dictionary is the reference equivalent of making it to the Order of the Garter.

"If a fact, quote, character, custom, or legend adds something to the story of our culture, however laterally or eccentrically, it will have earned its place."

PA