LEXICOGRAPHY:

The International Association of Lexicographers says a recent story published by News Crap Australia’s national broadshit The Australian has prompted it to officially add a new word to the English language.

Speaking from London the IAL’s chair, Lynne Gwistix, said it was a rare event for a new word to be added to any language.

“But when such a move is justified, as it is in this case from Australia, then the IAL will act swiftly,” Ms Gwistix said.

She said the board of the IAL met on Friday to consider an article published during the week in The Australian (main picture) which had been brought to their attention in a two-part submission from one of the association’s Australian members.

“The first part of our member’s submission looked at the article’s reference to a new ‘documentary’ by Australian columnist and commentator Peta Credlin to be screened soon on Sky News in Australia,” Ms Gwistix said.

“The story provided many details about the upcoming program by Ms Credlin which will canvass the late November election in the state of Victoria currently governed by the Labor Party led by Premier Dan Andrews.

“Ms Credlin’s program will put forward the case that Mr Andrews doesn’t deserve to win office again, but may well do so.

“The first part of our member’s two-part submission contained a very convincing argument hat the use of the word ‘documentary’ in the context of any such program featuring Ms Credlin is neither accurate nor appropriate as she apparently has a track record of disagreeing with many of the decisions and initiatives taken by Mr Andrews.

“Our member said even the well-known and well-used word ‘mockumentary’ did not fit the bill when it comes to describing such work by Ms Credlin as it is usually reserved for well-produced comedic programs knowingly masquerading as legitimate documentaries.

“Our Australian member has suggested an entirely new word – ‘jokumentary’ – which, as explained in the submission, melds the root word and the expression ‘you must be fucking joking’.

“The IAL board liked the new word and has now formally approved its useage, starting with Ms Credlin’s latest work, and no doubt her future ones too.”

Ms Gwistix said the IAL board was still to consider the second part of its Australian member’s submission which recommended that the word “News” be used instead of “news” when referencing any stories appearing in any News Crap Australia publication.