(Image courtesy of Photo by Dana DeVolk / Jakub Kapusnak on Unsplash)
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The latest edition of the official US Scrabble players dictionary was released to the public this week, sanctioning over 300 new words that can be played on the universally loved spelling board game.
Fans of Scrabble will be pleased to learn that two two-letter words have been added to the dictionary, representing some easy score words; they are “ew”and “ok”.
“OK is something Scrabble players have been waiting for, for a long time,” said lexicographer Peter Sokolowski, editor at large at Merriam-Webster. “Basically two- and three-letter words are the lifeblood of the game.”
The word “qapik” has also been added, giving players a great opportunity to play their Q and K tiles without the usual U and C that so many English words require.
Here are 6 food words added to the list, and not only should you learn them to gain stellar Scrabble scores, they are also all delicious. Here is the list:
Macaron – from the French, not to be confused with a macaroon (which is a different thing altogether, as any pastry chef will tell you!) These delicate meringue shells are sandwiches together with creamy ganache, and are instantly identifiable by their bright colours.
Photo by Dana DeVolk on Unsplash
Bibimbap – a traditional Korean rice dish, that has taken the US by storm in recent years. Tipped to be the next big thing since pho and bao, bibimbap is a hearty bowl of cooked rice, topped with vegetables, gochujang (a red chilli paste), sprouts, beef and often a soft fried egg.
Sriracha – the spicy condiment is a world wide phenomena. Made in the US and inspired by Thai cooking, the red chilli and garlic sauce is served alongside both Asian and Western food alike. It is particularly delicious in a toasted cheese sandwich!
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Arancini – from the Italian, these are maybe the world’s most delicious ‘finger food. A mixture of cooked risotto is flavoured and rolled into balls, crumbed and then deep fried. The arancini often have a cheesy centre, and if you haven’t tried them yet – you are missing out!
Cotija – named after the Mexican town of Cotija, this hard cows cheese has a firm texture and a mature flavour. Some say it is similar to the Italian parmesan cheese.
Aquafaba – this word was first coined in 2015 and is ubiquitous in vegan recipes. The word refers to the viscous, yellowish water inside of tinned chickpeas, that is poured off and reserved. It can be beaten into peaks like egg whites, and is often used to create vegan style marshmallows and meringues.
Other words added include twerking, emoji, frowny and wayback.