Jaguar has submitted a formal application to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) and Oxford Dictionaries to change the official online definition of the word ‘car’.
It wants the online definitions updated to include a reference to additional powertrains, including electric vehicles. This may or may not have something to do with the fact that it has launched the I-Pace all-electric SUV and is preparing to launch an electric version of the XJ saloon.
David Browne, head of Jaguar Land Rover’s naming committee, said: “A lot of time and thought is put into the name of any new vehicle or technology to ensure it is consumer friendly, so it’s surprising to see that the definition of the car is a little outdated.
“We are therefore inviting the Oxford English Dictionary and the Oxford Dictionaries to update its online classification to reflect the shift from traditional internal combustion engines towards more sustainable powertrains.”
Presently, the OED defines a ‘car’ as ‘a road vehicle powered by a motor (usually an internal combustion engine) designed to carry a driver and a small number of passengers, and usually having two front and two rear wheels, esp. for private, commercial, or leisure use.’
The Oxford Dictionaries definition is similar: ‘A road vehicle, typically with four wheels, powered by an internal combustion engine and able to carry a small number of people.’
Vroom vroom
Of course, there are other online definitions to consider. For example, the Urban Dictionary offers multiple definitions, including: ‘A people shell with four wheels’, ‘Something that goes vroom vroom’ and ‘Men’s best companion’.
There are a couple of others, but these aren’t necessarily safe for work.
Jaguar is asking people to “get behind the campaign” by using the hashtag #RedefineTheCar on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Now probably isn’t the time to point Jaguar in the direction of the Urban Dictionary’s top definition for ‘electric car’.
‘Yet another marketing scam to disguise something as environmentally friendly when it really isn’t.’ #scam #electric #car #emission #fossil
Oh.
