By Talia Blewitt
The Glasgow-based team behind the Collins Official Scrabble Words book have introduced nearly 3000 new words to the latest scrabble doctrine.
Street-cred worthy 'thang' and 'innit', and Y-generation 'Wiki' and 'Myspace' have been added.
But the word ‘jandal’, a word that is central to New Zealand culture, has been ditched from the list.
The latest edition has been drawn up by Collins with the help of the World English Language Scrabble Players’ Association.
It’s the first time the association has helped with the book.
New Zealand's current Scrabble champion and WESPA member, Howard Warner, expressed his disappointment at the omission of ‘jandal’ when speaking to Radio New Zealand.
According to the editor of the Collins list, Robert Groves, Mr Warner can blame New Zealand newspapers who often write jandal with a capital J, giving the impression it is still a brand name.
New Zealand Association of Scrabble Players president Paul Lister agrees with Mr Warner.
"If ‘jandal’ goes then so too should ‘hoover’ and similar words", says Mr Lister.
The list will provide a good dose of bedtime reading for Lister, who says the book will not be made official among New Zealand scrabble circles until January 1, 2012 despite being available this month.
"Players need a transition period to purchase and become familiar with the latest book", says Mr Lister.
When the book is formally introduced to the New Zealand scrabble scene next year, it will be used by 300 NZASP members who participate in regular tournaments.
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