What is an Uzi Oxford Dictionary?
The term “Uzi” as defined by the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), is a noun referring to a specific type of firearm: a compact 9mm submachine gun of Israeli design. The dictionary entry typically includes details about its origin, usage, and grammatical information. The OED’s definition emphasizes that it is a countable noun, typically used in the plural form “Uzis”. It also notes the word’s etymological link, stating that it’s named after Uziel Gal, the Israeli army officer who designed it. Therefore, in the context of the Oxford dictionary, “Uzi” is a documented, recognized term describing a specific type of weapon, rather than slang or colloquial usage. The OED, as a historical dictionary, would be primarily interested in recording its entry, origins, and usage within the English language.
Understanding the Oxford English Dictionary
Before diving deeper into “Uzi,” let’s understand what the Oxford English Dictionary is. The OED, as it’s commonly known, is a very large historical dictionary of the English language, published by Oxford University Press. It’s widely regarded as the most comprehensive and authoritative record of the English language. Unlike many other dictionaries, the OED doesn’t just define words; it aims to document their full historical usage, from their earliest appearance in written form to their present usage. This includes etymology, definitions that reflect changes over time, and copious illustrative quotations. It also includes slang words and new additions in the language, although its focus remains the historic development of the English lexicon.
The Historical Perspective
The OED began with its first publication in 1884, and is continually being updated, as new words gain traction and old ones evolve in usage. When a term like “Uzi” enters the lexicon, it’s evaluated not just for its current meaning, but for its linguistic history. The entry for “Uzi” in the OED would typically include details such as its date of first recording (1955-1960), which aligns with the period when the firearm became known, and its etymological link to Uziel Gal. This makes the OED different from other dictionaries that might only focus on current usage and not the historical background.
How does the OED treat words like “Uzi”?
The OED doesn’t shy away from cataloging words that might be related to controversial topics. Though it doesn’t take a position on the object the word represents. Therefore, while the term “Uzi” refers to a firearm, the OED doesn’t offer commentary on the morality or ethical issues related to weapons, but treats it as a word within the English language, providing the history of its usage and definition. It provides an accurate and complete linguistic picture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the term “Uzi” and its context within dictionaries and language:
1. Is “Uzi” a Word in Scrabble?
Despite being a recognized term in the Oxford English Dictionary, “Uzi” is not generally accepted as a playable word in standard Scrabble games. This is because most official Scrabble dictionaries don’t include proper nouns or abbreviations, of which the term is often considered.
2. What is the Plural Form of “Uzi”?
The plural form of “Uzi” is “Uzis”. This is documented in dictionaries, including the Oxford English Dictionary.
3. What does “Uzi” Mean in Hebrew?
The name “Uzi” in Hebrew (עֻזִּי), can be transliterated as either “Uzi” or “Uzzi” and means “my strength.” It has biblical origins. It is often used as a given name. The weapon’s name is directly linked to this and its designer.
4. Who was Uziel Gal?
Uziel Gal was the Israeli army officer who designed the Uzi submachine gun. He did not want the weapon named after him, but his request was denied.
5. When Was the Uzi Gun Invented?
The Uzi was designed shortly after the founding of Israel, with official adoption by the Israel Defense Forces in 1951. The gun gained widespread popularity in the mid-1950s. The word itself was entered into dictionaries later in that decade.
6. Why was the Uzi so Popular?
The Uzi became popular due to its compact size, ease of handling, and high rate of fire. It was adopted by numerous military and police forces worldwide. More than 10 million have been produced.
7. What kind of gun is an Uzi?
An Uzi is a submachine gun and a machine pistol. It is a compact, automatic firearm designed for close-quarters combat.
8. What is Another Name for the Uzi?
While “Uzi” is the most common name, the gun is sometimes referred to as a subgun, or a burp gun. Other firearms that belong to a similar class of weapons can include the bren gun, thompson submachine gun, and tommy gun.
9. Does the Oxford Dictionary include Slang Words?
Yes, the Oxford English Dictionary includes slang words, particularly in its more modern editions. Though historically oriented, the OED does have slang and contemporary terminology for the 20th and 21st centuries.
10. How is “Uzi” Pronounced?
The phonetic pronunciation of “Uzi” is /ˈuːzi/.
11. What is the Oldest Oxford Dictionary?
The first portion, or fascicle, of the Oxford English Dictionary was published on February 1, 1884.
12. What is the Longest Word in the Dictionary?
In most English dictionaries, the longest word is pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis, a 45-letter word that refers to a lung disease.
13. What is the Most Used Dictionary in the World?
The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) is widely regarded as the accepted authority on the English language and the most comprehensive dictionary available.
14. How is “Uzi” Different from “Rizz”?
“Uzi” is a defined, concrete noun referring to a type of firearm, while “rizz” is a newly added slang term, short for “charisma,” meaning an ability to charm or woo a person. “Uzi” is a recognized word, while “rizz” is a more recent addition.
15. What about new slang words? Is “Yeet” in the Oxford Dictionary?
Yes, the slang word “yeet” was added to the Oxford Dictionary in 2022. It means to throw something with force and a lack of concern. This inclusion reflects the dictionary’s practice of incorporating new words and usages as they enter the lexicon.
Conclusion
The term “Uzi” within the context of the Oxford English Dictionary is a clear example of how language evolves to incorporate new technologies and concepts. It’s not just a word, but a historical marker, connected to a specific firearm and its origin. By understanding its definition in the OED, one can appreciate how a dictionary captures the dynamic nature of the English language, embracing everything from historical roots to slang.