Words That Don't Exist

Question

I work for a newspaper supplement based in Cape Town, aimed at school children aged 7 to 9. The powers that be above me have received numerous emails on shockingly inaccurate word use in the supplements. People are in a state of outrage that we use words which do not appear in their dictionaries and it has now been brought up that I will be replaced.

Could someone please tell me whether or not these words and terms actually exist, because according to my superiors, they don't:

Practice.
Airplane.
Homophone.
Pictograph.
Acrostic Poems.

Similarly, it's been suggested that I am pushing the Eminem and P.Diddy agenda by using the word "rap" versus "wrap" in a homophones activity. Could anyone verify for me that there are several meanings of the word "rap" which do not, in fact, pertain to a form of music?

Thanks
-B-

Doctor D · Accepted Answer

Yes, all the words cited exist and have for some time. (Pictograph, for example, dates to 1851.) My old desk dictionary lists all of them and it is nearly ten years old. Perhaps your critics need better dictionaries.

As for rap, yes, there are many uses that predate current music terminology. "Rap" means a sharp blow or knock; it also means a rebuke or criticism. In addition, it can mean a criminal charge or prison sentence. The origin of "rap" as a word used in English (according to Webster's Collegiate Dictionary) dates back to the 14th century.

If it helps give any authority to my remarks, I should mention that hold a doctorate in English from Johns Hopkins University.

I hope this helps.

Brandy Balls · Answer

Thanks Dr. D. I think I'm the un-flavour of the month at work. Perhaps either my superiors need newer dictionaries, or I need a new job ;-)

Words That Don't Exist

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