Merriam-Webster Dictionary Adds 1,400 New Words

If your vocabulary includes “looksmaxxing,” “cuffing season” and “trash panda,” congratulations: You’re now speaking dictionary-approved English. Last week, Merriam-Webster announced that it had added 1,400 words and definitions to its online dictionary. The newcomers range from artificial intelligence terminology and Internet slang to food, fashion and feelings. Some of the most attention-grabbing additions began in online communities. “Looksmaxxing” refers to efforts to improve one’s physical appearance, sometimes through extreme or dangerous measures. The dictionary also welcomed “meme coin,” a cryptocurrency whose value is driven by Internet culture, social media hype, and community sentiment rather than practical financial fundamentals. Plenty of the additions describe experiences that happen away from a screen. “Cuffing season” is the colder part of the year when single people may begin seeking short-term romantic partners. “Sunday scaries” refers to the anxiety or dread that can arrive as the weekend ends and the workweek approaches. Other additions include “yacht rock,” “shapewear,” “promposal,” “glow-up” and “Mandela Effect,” along with “trash panda,” the affectionate nickname for a raccoon. A word can circulate for years before dictionary editors determine that enough people use it consistently and agree on what it means. So, whether you’re fighting the Sunday scaries or watching a trash panda raid the garbage, at least you know what those terms mean now.

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If You See Orange Flames on Your Gas Stove, This Is What It Means

Cooks have long loved the distinctive whoosh of firing up a gas stove. The flames pop up quickly and provide consistent heat, making it easy to cook with pinpoint control. Gas stoves also save the day if you need to cook when the power is out because they don’t require electricity. Unfortunately, there are dangers lurking behind that satisfying flame. One major problem is air quality. Even a perfectly functioning gas stove gives off invisible fumes, but keep your eyes peeled for odd flame colors. A healthy gas stove flame is usually blue. There’s room for a tiny bit of variation, but not much. If most of the flame — not just the tip — turns a different color, that’s a signal that something is wrong. A steady yellow or orange flame can signal incomplete combustion, often caused by dirty burners, blocked openings, or an improper gas-to-air mixture. Instead of methane converting to CO2 and water vapor, some of the gas is not used and is released into the air, which is not ideal. Don’t panic — a small amount of white or yellow tipping can be normal depending on the type of gas and the appliance. Dust in the air can create brief yellow flickers, and calcium and other minerals may burn orange. A flame that’s mostly yellow, orange or red should be checked by a professional. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that kills hundreds of people every year, so putting in a CO monitor to alert you of high CO levels can be a lifesaver. Aside from the health issues, orange flames are inefficient and will cost you money. In incomplete combustion, some of the gas coming out of your burners is flat-out wasted, and that will translate to a higher gas bill.

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Men Are Trimming Their Eyelashes to Look More Masculine

Long eyelashes have always been a coveted physical feature among women, so much so that there's an entire industry built around the sale and mounting of fake eyelashes. However, long lashes aren't as popular among men. Some alpha types apparently consider them too feminine and will have them trimmed for a manlier look, despite the serious health risks of such a procedure. Videos of young men having their eyelashes cut or trimmed at barber shops or beauty salons started showing up on TikTok and other social media platforms last year, but instead of quickly fizzling out, they apparently turned into a global trend. Associated by some with "looksmaxxing," eyelash trimming is not only bizarre, it’s downright dangerous because it exposes the eyes to a lot of risk. Eyelashes aren't purely cosmetic, they serve an important function — protecting your eyes from harm — so cutting them down to stubs can have serious health consequences. Eyelashes prevent dirt and debris, including dead skin cells, sweat, and UV rays from entering the eye, so trimming them exposes people to infection, itchiness and frequent discomfort. Yes, they do grow back in time, but that takes months. There's also the risk of damaging the eye during the trimming procedure. Having sharp, fast moving metal blades so close to your eyes is extremely dangerous, as one wrong move could have disastrous consequences. Although trimming eyelashes has been associated with masculinity among men, the reality is that there is no scientific merit to that concept. Eyelash length is a genetic inheritance, so it can occur in both men and women. The fact that long lashes are considered feminine is a purely cultural belief.

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The McDonald’s Migraine Cure Promises Speedy Relief, But Does It Actually Work?

You may view McDonald’s French fries and Coca-Cola as the ultimate comfort snack, but many on TikTok are rebranding it as a speedy cure for migraines. So, does it work? The idea is that Coke contains caffeine, and caffeine sometimes helps to reduce migraine pain. The French fries are loaded with salt, which is an electrolyte. Sometimes, migraines are triggered by an electrolyte imbalance, which the fries remedy. While this fast food fix could offer some temporary relief, Dr. Regina Krel, a neurologist and Director of the Hackensack Meridian Health Headache Center, cautions against relying on it as a substitute for a proper migraine regimen. She also warns about the potential downsides of turning to caffeine too often to ease migraine pain. “Caffeine, found in Coke, can lead to a rebound headache,” she says. As an alternative, she recommends electrolyte water. “For caffeine, certainly having a cup of coffee is a healthier option. If you haven’t eaten, then having a healthy protein-rich snack that isn’t processed is a good option to boost sugar,” said Krel. In the end, your lifestyle and diet play a role in preventing migraines, so consult with your doctor about the best treatment plan for long-term relief.

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