Storms spawn words

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- A U.S. language-watch group said the recent storms, generally cursed in colorful but well-known terms, gave the English language a pair of new words.

The Global Language Monitor said "Snowmageddon" and "Snowpocalypse" have become "accepted into English language lexicon."

Monitor President Paul J Payack said the usage of the new words across several media warranted including them as part of the language. He said the words "are currently being widely used in the global media in dozens of languages."

"Snowpocalypse" was created by linking "snow" and "apocalypse." Payack said the global media often uses forms of "apocalypse," which means to "uncover, restore reveal or disclose" for cataclysmic events.

"Snowmageddon" combines "snow" with "Armageddon," which has a historical meaning of the scene of important battles but has popularly become defined as an end-of-the-world struggle.