Bikers Rewrite the Oxford Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary has changed its definition of the word ‘biker’.

The Oxford English Dictionary has changed its definition of the word ‘biker’.

The Oxford English Dictionary has changed its definition of the word ‘biker’. The previous definition read, ‘A motorcyclist, especially one who is a member of a gang.’ And the usage example was: ‘a long-haired biker in dirty denims.’ Bikers have now been redefined as, ‘A motorcyclist, especially one who is a member of a gang or group’ with the example, ‘a biker was involved in a collision with a car.’ According to Nicola Burton, spokesperson of the Oxford University Press, the words ‘long-haired’ and ‘dirty denims’ were excised to reflect a shift in contemporary use of the word ‘biker’. Burton told The Telegraph, “Our research suggests ‘biker’ is now more closely aligned with ‘motorcyclist’ than words such as ‘Hell’s Angel’. We also updated the usage example.” According to the newspaper, the definition had to be changed because of pressure from Britain’s motorcyclists.

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