Unfriend named word of 2009

'"It has both currency and potential longevity," said Christine Lindberg, senior lexicographer for Oxford's U.S. dictionary program, in a statement.'

Really? I don't think I've ever heard anyone use this in conversation outside of specifically referring to a particular Web site. It's jargon. (BTW, maybe some time should be allowed to pass to see if a word really does have longevity before rushing to enshrine it.)

"Sexting", for example, seems more widely used outside of any specific social clique, and does a good job of succinctly describing a modern concept. It also feels more clever than the blunt, Newspeakish "unfriend".

My verdict: New Oxford American Dictionary needs to hire more people outside the 18-24 year-old demographic. Younger or older would be a big improvement.

On a related note, can any one recommend a good dead-tree dictionary that doesn't weigh more than a small cat? I'd leave New Oxford American Dictionary out of the suggestion list. :)