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Guardian

The Guardian (1959–).
The 16th most frequently quoted source in the OED, with a total of 9137 quotations (about 0.29% of all OED quotations).

Total number of quotations9137Find quotations
Quotations providing first evidence of a word220Find quotations
Quotations providing first evidence of a particular meaning839Find quotations
LemmaDefinitionDate
agit-Prefixed to the name of a style of popular music to denote music or musicians expressing…1978Go To Quotation
air-con= air conditioning n.1970Go To Quotation
analogousnessThe quality, state, or condition of being analogous (analogous adj. 1); equivalence, correspondence; similarity, resemblance.1859Go To Quotation
annus horribilisA disastrous or particularly unpleasant year.1985Go To Quotation
anorakyBoring, overly studious, unfashionable, or socially inept; spec. displaying obsessive…1992Go To Quotation
authorlessWithout admitted author; anonymous.1613Go To Quotation
BangladeshiA native or inhabitant of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, formed in 1971 (formerly the province of East Pakistan).1971Go To Quotation
BarmecideOne who offers imaginary food or illusory benefits. Often attrib.1713Go To Quotation
beatboxingThe making of rhythmical sounds with the voice and mouth in imitation of the rhythms…1987Go To Quotation
bicyclicOf or relating to a bicycle or to the activity of cycling. Cf. bicyclical adj.1869Go To Quotation
bigorexicSuffering from bigorexia; of or relating to bigorexia.1997Go To Quotation
biolisticsWith sing. concord. A technique used in genetic engineering in which tiny…1988Go To Quotation
bittersBitter medicines generally, as Peruvian bark, quinine, etc.; spec. alcoholic (or…1713Go To Quotation
BlairiteOr, relating to, or characteristic of Tony Blair or his policies.1993Go To Quotation
BOATIn England and Wales: a (category of) public right of way open to all types of vehicle on…1974Go To Quotation
body-swerveintr. orig. and chiefly Sport, esp. Association Football and Rugby Football. To make…1985Go To Quotation
bonkbusterA type of popular novel characterized by frequent explicit sexual encounters between the characters.1988Go To Quotation
BritcomA comedy film produced or set in the United Kingdom; a British comedy film.1977Go To Quotation
cargotrans. To load. Also, to carry as cargo; to package (goods) for distribution.1889Go To Quotation
CeefaxThe proprietary name for a teletext system operated by the B.B.C. Cf. oracle n. 10.1972Go To Quotation
chat-upDesignating or relating to flirtatious conversation. Chiefly in chat-up line n. = pick-up line n. at pick-up n. adj. 3.1986Go To Quotation
cherry-pickingOf or designating a type of hydraulic crane or similar device with a platform attached to…1981Go To Quotation
ciggyColloq. abbrev. of cigarette n.1962Go To Quotation
commsattrib. Designating equipment, systems, etc., used for communication over long distances…1960Go To Quotation
compingThe practice of entering numerous competitions (esp. those promoting consumer goods) in order to win as many prizes as possible.1987Go To Quotation
copiaPlenty, a plentiful supply: now chiefly in the Latin phrase copia verborum abundance of…1713Go To Quotation
costaUsed as the first element in various humorous pseudo-place-names, to indicate a resort…1968Go To Quotation
couplySuitable for a couple in a romantic or sexual relationship; (also) dominated by couples.1989Go To Quotation
credCredibility; reputation or status among one's peers.1981Go To Quotation
DaedalistAn imitator of Dædalus.1713Go To Quotation
dehiretrans. To discharge (an employee, esp. an executive) from a position; to ‘sack’ or ‘fire’.1970Go To Quotation
déjà luA feeling that one may have read the present passage before, or in a similar form elsewhere.1960Go To Quotation
denettrans. To sell or permit the sale of (a book) at a price lower than that fixed under the terms of the Net Book Agreement.1962Go To Quotation
depoliticizetrans. To render non-political, to remove from the sphere of political activity or influence. Also absol.1960Go To Quotation
design-buildIn the construction industry: a delivery system or process whereby a single…1968Go To Quotation
de-Stalinizeintr. To counteract the excesses of Stalinism or the influence of Stalin, as by…1960Go To Quotation
devaluetrans. To reduce or annul the value of; to deprive of value; spec. to effect the devaluation of (a currency). Also absol.1918Go To Quotation
dibbleWith the and pl. concord: the police. Also as a count noun: a police officer.1990Go To Quotation
dimplerOne who ‘dimples’ or forms dimples.1713Go To Quotation
DJintr. To perform as a disc jockey, esp. in a nightclub.1986Go To Quotation
DogmeA set of guidelines intended to produce simpler, more naturalistic films…1996Go To Quotation
dolce vitaA life of luxury, pleasure, and self-indulgence. (Freq. preceded by the or la.) Also attrib.1961Go To Quotation
doomwatchObservation intended to avert danger or destruction, esp. of the environment by pollution or nuclear war; also fig. Freq. attrib.1970Go To Quotation
epistemicsWith sing. concord. The scientific (as opp. to philosophical) theory or study of the processes of knowledge (see quot. 1969).1969Go To Quotation
eppieA fit of temper or a tantrum, likened hyperbolically to an epileptic fit; (occas. lit.) an epileptic fit.1987Go To Quotation
-eroofactitious slang suffix as in boozeroo n., brusheroo (brush n. 8b), flopperoo n.1964Go To Quotation
EuroChiefly with lower-case initial. (The name of) the principal unit of the European…1971Go To Quotation
Eurosceptical= Eurosceptic adj.1990Go To Quotation
EviteA name humorously applied to a woman wearing little clothing.1713Go To Quotation
FinlandizationThe process or result of becoming obliged for economic reasons to favour (or refrain…1969Go To Quotation
flextime= flexitime n.1972Go To Quotation
flobA piece of spittle and mucus that has been spat out; (as a mass noun) phlegm, spittle.1991Go To Quotation
floridity= floridness n.1713Go To Quotation
foot-shootingOf an action or decision: that worsens one's own situation; (of a person) having a…1984Go To Quotation
formattrans. To arrange or put into a format: used chiefly in connection with Computing (see format n. 2b).1968Go To Quotation
FrelimoThe nationalist liberation party of Mozambique, founded in 1962, which formed the…1963Go To Quotation
fruiteressA female seller of fruit.1713Go To Quotation
full-bottomA full-bottomed wig.1713Go To Quotation
GalbraithianOf, pertaining to, or characteristic of J. K. Galbraith and his writings.1960Go To Quotation
gobsmackedFlabbergasted, astounded; speechless or incoherent with amazement.1985Go To Quotation
Greenhamattrib., esp. in Greenham woman and variants: designating any of the women who…1982Go To Quotation
groupusculeA small political group, esp. a radical or extremist splinter group. Freq. contemptuous.1968Go To Quotation
guppieA yuppie who professes concern about the environment and ecological issues.1985Go To Quotation
haute boutique(See quot. 1969.)1966Go To Quotation
horse-laughA loud coarse laugh.1713Go To Quotation
houseshareAn arrangement whereby tenants share rented accommodation, esp. a house; a house rented under such an arrangement.1979Go To Quotation
humpedHaving a hump (or humps); hump-backed, hunch-backed; having the back or shoulders rounded…1713Go To Quotation
hypermarketA very large self-service store, usually situated outside a town, having an extensive car park and selling a wide range of goods.1970Go To Quotation
hyphenatetrans. = hyphen v.1892Go To Quotation
IlchesterThe name of a town in Somerset, used attrib. or ellipt. as n. to designate a cheese mixed with beer, chives, and spices.1963Go To Quotation
incentivizetrans. To motivate or encourage (a person, esp. an employee or customer) by providing…1968Go To Quotation
inviolatenessThe quality of being inviolate.1860Go To Quotation
James BondThe name of the hero of a series of novels by the British writer Ian Fleming (1908 –…1967Go To Quotation
kalganUsed attrib. or absol. to designate a fur obtained from the kalgan lamb.1960Go To Quotation
kicksterOne whose behaviour is governed principally or solely by the desire for ‘kicks’.1963Go To Quotation
leccyElectricity, esp as commercially supplied.1987Go To Quotation
Lennonattrib. = John Lennon n.1984Go To Quotation
liturgicianOne skilled in liturgics.1889Go To Quotation
Los AngelenoA native or inhabitant of Los Angeles; = Angeleno n. adj.1960Go To Quotation
lunarnautOne who travels or has travelled to the moon.1965Go To Quotation
lunokhodA type of Russian self-propelled, radio-controlled vehicle for transmitting information…1970Go To Quotation
luvvieAn actor or actress, esp. one who is considered particularly effusive or affected…1988Go To Quotation
Macoutegen. An intimidating villain, a criminal, a thug.1971Go To Quotation
Manchesterizetrans. To make representative or typical of Manchester; to make similar to Manchester, esp. with regard to industrial practices.1925Go To Quotation
Maoattrib. Designating an article of clothing made in the simple style characteristic…1967Go To Quotation
Mary Bell orderA court order prohibiting the publication of information which might lead to the…1996Go To Quotation
mass-observetrans. To observe (a person or people) in the context of mass observation.1970Go To Quotation
mastermindingActing as a mastermind; commanding and ingenious.1973Go To Quotation
McGoverniteA supporter of George McGovern or his policies, esp. as candidate in the 1972 U.S. presidential election.1972Go To Quotation
meejaWith sing. or pl. concord (cf. media n.). The mass media; the members of the mass…1983Go To Quotation
mega-millionConsisting of many millions (of dollars, pounds, etc.).1972Go To Quotation
metempsychoticRelating to or considered in relation to metempsychosis; resulting from metempsychosis.1981Go To Quotation
miniA miniskirt or minidress.1966Go To Quotation
MintechThe Ministry of Technology (a former department of the British government).1967Go To Quotation
misper= missing person n. at missing adj. n. Special uses.1994Go To Quotation
money-offattrib. That is sold at a discount. Also: that provides a reduction in the price of…1972Go To Quotation
muck-spreaderA vehicle or trailer for distributing manure over farmland, usually with a tank and spraying mechanism.1961Go To Quotation
multi-occupationOccupation (esp. tenancy) of a dwelling by more than one family or by several…1963Go To Quotation
multi-occupytrans. To occupy (a dwelling) with facilities shared between more than one family…1965Go To Quotation
multiracialistAn advocate of multiracialism; an advocate of a multiracial government or society.1960Go To Quotation
mumsinessThe quality or fact of being motherly (often with connotation of homeliness…1988Go To Quotation
nannifiedInvolving or characterized by a nanny or nannies; that has been looked after by a nanny or nannies; treated in a nannyish manner.1960Go To Quotation
nannyingThe practice or a process of working as a nanny or treating someone in the manner of a nanny; (also) the result of this.1969Go To Quotation
NaxalismMaoist communism as practised in South Asia; the principles and practices of the Naxalite movement.1970Go To Quotation
NedThe National Economic Development Council, or one of its subcommittees; = Neddy n. Cf. NEDC n. at N n. 1.1961Go To Quotation
NehruvianOf, relating to, or characteristic of Nehru or his socialist, secularist policies.1960Go To Quotation
NestorianizerA Nestorian; a person who inclines towards Nestorianism.1888Go To Quotation
ngweeA monetary unit of Zambia, introduced in 1968 and equivalent to one-hundredth of a kwacha.1966Go To Quotation
nice-but-dimDesignating a person regarded as foolish, incompetent, and ingenuous, while also being utterly good-natured and unmalicious.1989Go To Quotation
Nigerianizetrans. To make Nigerian in character; to subject to Nigerianization.1960Go To Quotation
nomenclatressA female nomenclator.1713Go To Quotation
non-returnableThat may or need not be returned; spec. (of a bottle or other container) that may not be returned empty to the supplier.1885Go To Quotation
non-speakLanguage that imparts very little useful information, esp. deliberately, and is typically characterized by verbosity and jargon.1960Go To Quotation
octopodal= octopoid adj.1963Go To Quotation
oddityAn odd characteristic, feature, or trait; a peculiar habit.1713Go To Quotation
off-puttrans. (in pass.). To be put off by something; to be disconcerted, repelled.1970Go To Quotation
OgenIn full Ogen melon. A variety of small dessert melon with pale green flesh and orange or yellow skin ribbed with green.1967Go To Quotation
Old LabourOf, relating to, or characteristic of the Labour Party prior to the introduction of…1988Go To Quotation
one-dayerA limited-overs match scheduled to take place over the course of one day.1985Go To Quotation
O'NeilliteA supporter or adherent of the Northern Irish Unionist politician Terence O'Neill or his policies. Also attrib. or as adj.1969Go To Quotation
OrwellismSomething characteristic or reminiscent of the totalitarian social and…1970Go To Quotation
OssiSince the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989: a citizen of the former German Democratic Republic; an East German. Cf. Wessi n.1989Go To Quotation
overblanketA blanket placed over something or someone, as opposed to an underblanket. Also: an electric blanket.1970Go To Quotation
overlawA higher or overruling law.1883Go To Quotation
paintballingThe action or activity of playing paintball.1989Go To Quotation
PaisleyismThe religious and political policies associated with Ian Paisley (see Paisleyite adj. n.).1966Go To Quotation
PaisleyiteOf, relating to, or supporting Ian Paisley or his policies, spec. with reference to…1966Go To Quotation
PakiA person of Pakistani (also more generally, South Asian) birth or descent, esp. one living in Britain. Also in extended use.1964Go To Quotation
papA paparazzo.1988Go To Quotation
part-exchangetrans. To exchange (an article) for another (usually new) article, paying a sum of money…1961Go To Quotation
permieEsp. in the computing industry: a permanent employee, as opposed to a contractor or temporary member of staff. Cf. perm n.1988Go To Quotation
phraseologistA maker or user of phrases, esp. one who uses phrases in an indiscriminate, trite, or grandiose manner; a phrasemonger.1713Go To Quotation
phy= Physeptone n.1971Go To Quotation
PindarismPindaric style; an imitation of, or a passage reminiscent of, Pindar's poetry. Cf. Pindaric n.1713Go To Quotation
podcastingThe use of the Internet to make available digital recordings of broadcasts for downloading…2004Go To Quotation
poppyPopular; having a wide appeal; spec. of music, a group, etc., having a sound characteristic of pop music.1970Go To Quotation
post-DianaOriginally: after a significant event in the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, such as…1992Go To Quotation
presséA drink of fruit juice, etc., (traditionally) served fresh with ice and sugar; (now…1992Go To Quotation
prop manA man who perpetrates a prop game (prop game n.).1966Go To Quotation
ProvieA member of the Provisional I.R.A.; = Provo n.1972Go To Quotation
pseuderyIntellectual or social pretension or affectation; pseudo-intellectual speech, writing, debate, etc.1972Go To Quotation
puellileSuited to or characteristic of girls. Cf. puerile adj. 1a.1891Go To Quotation
quadro= quadraphony n.1972Go To Quotation
queue-jumperA person who pushes forward out of turn in a queue. Also fig.: a person who obtains unfair priority over others.1960Go To Quotation
quingentenary= quincentenary adj. rare.1884Go To Quotation
RachmanismThe exploitation and intimidation of tenants by unscrupulous landlords.1963Go To Quotation
rechaudA food warmer consisting of a stand or dish heated by a flame underneath.1906Go To Quotation
rent-a-quoteDesignating someone (esp. a politician) who may be relied upon by the media to provide…1985Go To Quotation
restriveintr. To strive again.1613Go To Quotation
RetrovirA proprietary name for: the drug azidothymidine.1987Go To Quotation
riservaAn Italian wine that claims superior quality.1959Go To Quotation
roar-worthyWorth roaring or shouting against or about.1713Go To Quotation
rock fanAn enthusiast of rock music.1959Go To Quotation
RomanaccioThe Italian dialect spoken in Rome; = Romanesco n. 2.1963Go To Quotation
route oneThe most direct route; (later chiefly) spec. an attacking tactic employing a long…1978Go To Quotation
sadsterA pathetic or contemptible person; = saddo n.1992Go To Quotation
salopetteA pair of overalls or dungarees of a kind worn orig. in France by workmen and later…1972Go To Quotation
sampladeliaSampladelic music. Cf. sampladelic adj.1994Go To Quotation
savagingThe action or an act of attacking a person, animal, etc., violently or ferociously; savage behaviour or action.1858Go To Quotation
sci-fic= sci-fi n.1963Go To Quotation
semitonal= semitonic adj.1863Go To Quotation
shit-stirintr. To make trouble for its own sake. Cf. to stir (up) shit at stir v. Additions.1982Go To Quotation
sitaristOne who plays the sitar.1966Go To Quotation
skoobA pile of books assembled in order to be destroyed as a gesture against the…1963Go To Quotation
slapheadA bald or shaven-headed person; a bald or shaven head.1990Go To Quotation
sneererOne who sneers.1713Go To Quotation
SnopesThe family name of a series of vicious characters in the fiction of William…1962Go To Quotation
sparklerOne who sparkles or shines in respect of beauty or accomplishments; esp. a vivacious, witty, or pretty young woman.1713Go To Quotation
splittismIn Communist use: the pursuance of factional interests in opposition to official party policy. Also transf.1962Go To Quotation
spokespersonA person who speaks for or on behalf of another or others.1972Go To Quotation
statusyHaving, indicating, or conferring (high) social status or distinction.1962Go To Quotation
stitch-upAn act of manipulating a situation in order to reach a desired outcome, esp. by…1980Go To Quotation
stottyIn full, stotty cake. A soft roll split and filled with meat or cheese.1971Go To Quotation
stukachIn Russia: an informer; a ‘stool pigeon’.1969Go To Quotation
submunitionAny one of several weapons or devices contained within a rocket, missile, or other…1969Go To Quotation
super giant slalomAn Alpine skiing discipline intermediate between giant slalom and downhill, run on a…1981Go To Quotation
superminiOriginally: a relatively powerful or large Mini (Mini n.). Now chiefly: a small car…1961Go To Quotation
swooshyOf the nature of the sound ‘swoosh’; characterized by or making this sound. Also transf.1967Go To Quotation
takaThe basic monetary unit of Bangladesh, equivalent to one hundred paise; also, a banknote of this value.1972Go To Quotation
tankyA nickname for a member of the British Communist Party supporting hardline…1985Go To Quotation
Tasaday(A member of) a people living on the Philippine island of Mindanao (see note). Also attrib.1971Go To Quotation
televisionlessWithout a television set; that does not include watching television.1962Go To Quotation
tenuredOf an official position, usu. one in a university or school: carrying a guarantee…1969Go To Quotation
TeritalA trade name for natural and synthetic (chiefly polyester) fibre, fabrics, and floor-coverings. Cf. Tergal adj. n.1960Go To Quotation
tie-wigA wig having the hair gathered together behind and tied with a knot of ribbon.1713Go To Quotation
trackieIn sing. and pl.: = track suit n. at track n. 2.1986Go To Quotation
trendifytrans. To make trendy; to give a modern or fashionable appearance to.1969Go To Quotation
trendilyIn a fashionable or ‘trendy’ manner; modishly. Also in Comb. with ppl. adjs.1967Go To Quotation
trendinessThe uncritical following of fashionable modes of thought, dress, etc.; the quality of being trendy.1966Go To Quotation
trend-setterOne who or that which establishes trends in dress, thought, etc.1960Go To Quotation
twoctrans. To steal (a car), esp. for the purpose of joy-riding. Also intr.1993Go To Quotation
twockedOf a car: stolen, esp. for the purpose of joy-riding. See twoc n.1993Go To Quotation
twockerA car thief, esp. one who steals for the purpose of joy-riding.1990Go To Quotation
unbantrans. To remove a ban or prohibition from (a publication, person, group, etc.); to…1968Go To Quotation
under-occupationThe occupation of a dwelling or dwellings by fewer people than had been planned; spec.…1961Go To Quotation
under-roarer(under- prefix 3a(a).)1713Go To Quotation
under-useInsufficient use (of a facility, etc.); use below the optimum level.1960Go To Quotation
unguardedlyIn an unguarded manner; incautiously, uncircumspectly.1713Go To Quotation
unhomogeneity(un- prefix 12.)1862Go To Quotation
unobserver(un- prefix 12.)1713Go To Quotation
untuckered(un- prefix 9.)1713Go To Quotation
vinifytrans. To make wine from (a grape, or its juice); to make (wine).1969Go To Quotation
warspeakJargon used during or in the description of a war, esp. by military personnel.1967Go To Quotation
waymarktrans. To provide or identify (a path) with waymarks.1960Go To Quotation
wazzAn act of urination.1994Go To Quotation
webmeisterA webmaster (usually with connotations of particular skill or expertise).1994Go To Quotation
well(-)adapted1713Go To Quotation
well-told1713Go To Quotation
wellycolloq. A wellington boot. Also Comb., as welly-boot.1961Go To Quotation
weltThe practice by which some members of a gang of dockers take an unauthorized break while…1964Go To Quotation
whiplessOf a Member of Parliament: having resigned, or having been deprived of, the whip.1962Go To Quotation
whistleableOf a tune, etc.: capable of being whistled; suitable for whistling.1962Go To Quotation
whydunitA story, play, or film in which the main interest lies in the detection of the motive for some crime or other action.1968Go To Quotation
winklingThe action of the vb., esp. with reference to the removal of tenants from…1970Go To Quotation
yoofYouth; young people collectively, esp. viewed by others as a constituency to be catered…1986Go To Quotation
zapperspec. Any of various devices for destroying or warding off pests; also (properly…1969Go To Quotation
zappyLively, amusing, energetic; striking.1969Go To Quotation
zizzyShowy, spectacular; lively, uninhibited.1966Go To Quotation
0898 numberA U.K. telephone number with the prefix 0898 offering services (esp. chat lines) for…1988Go To Quotation
1471A telephone service, accessed by dialling the number 1471, which gives details of the last incoming call.1994Go To Quotation

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