On Reverse Dracula and Picky Bites – introduction to study of Urban Dictionary

Abstract

This article provides an introductory examination of Urban Dictionary, focusing on its attributes and distinctive features. In the article the functionalities of the webpage are explored, the structure of entries is analysed and a typology of definitions is proposed. Through detailed analysis of specific examples from the Urban Dictionary lexicon, the dynamics of this user-generated content platform is discussed. The paper highlights the significance of individual and social perspectives of users as well as the aspects of creativity, humour and narratives included in the definitions. The paper aims to contribute to better understanding of the phenomenon of Urban Dictionary in the context of social linguistics.

Keywords

• dictionary
• slang
• user generated content
• crowd-sourcing