By GENEVA WHITE

We “Google” ex-boyfriends and ex-girlfriends.

We “Netflix” DVDs.

Before heading to parties, we often “Mapquest” the directions.

And rather than miss our favorite TV shows, we “TiVo” them.

What has become of the English language? Linguists insist this integration of corporate names, products and services into our everyday speech is nothing new.

Dennis Baron , a professor of English and linguistics, points out that in the 1980s, we were “Xeroxing” copies. Older generations likely remember the days when all cameras were called “Kodaks.”

“This is one of the ways that language naturally works,” said Baron, who teaches at the University of Illinois in Champaign. “Common inventions, technologies and products become embedded in the language and extend their use to other areas. That’s how language changes and spreads.”

Scott Osmundson, 31, said he finds himself incorporating words that originated with the Internet.

“Yeah, I say ‘Google it,’ ” said Osmundson, of Johnsburg. “With how big the Internet has gotten it was bound to happen.”

Osmundson said his friends have told him to “YouTube” videos. “‘MySpace me” is another expression he’s heard people say.

“We’re starting to lose the English language,” Osmundson said. “Especially with texting and how people abbreviate words now.”

As the English language evolves, new words must be added to Merriam Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Among the latest words appearing in the dictionary’s 11th edition, set to be released this fall, are DVR (Digital Video Recorder), speed dating, sudoku and telenovela.

“Webster is constantly adding new words to the dictionary,” said Heather Brown, assistant chair of the English department at Woodstock High School. “If you notice, most of those are technology driven.”

So far, Brown, who teaches creative writing and American literature, hasn’t seen students use terms such as “Googling” in their papers.

“But it’s definitely in their lexicon when they’re talking with each other,” she said.

Frequent use of a word not only helps it get into the dictionary. The practice can also put a product’s copyright at stake.

“It’s tricky for [corporations],” Baron said. “They want the names of their products to be on everybody’s lips, but they don’t want it to be used as a generic [word]. They don’t want all tissues to be Kleenex.”

Ironically, just because a word ends up in the dictionary, it’s still not necessarily O.K. to use on school papers, college entrance exams and cover letters.

“ ‘Ain’t’” has been in the dictionary for some time,” Brown said. “We still don’t allow it.”

Renee Woods of Crystal Lake said “Google” often comes up in her conversations.

“My friend just ‘Googled’ herself,” said Woods, 25. “That’s weird.”

Source: Northwest Herald, 19 December 2007