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Oxford University Press lexicographer Susie Dent explained that the word was chosen for its "productivity" as well as its popularity.

She said: "The Oxford Dictionaries UK Word of the Year is a word, or expression, that we feel has attracted a great deal of interest during the year to date.

"In the case of omnishambles, we also recognised its linguistic productivity: a notable coinage coming from the word is Romneyshambles, coined in the UK to describe US presidential candidate Mitt Romneys views on Londons ability to host a successful Olympic Games."

"Other spin-off terms have been largely humorous or one-off from Olympishambles and Scomnishambles, to omnivoreshambles and Toryshambles.

Omnishambles was chosen over shortlisted terms including "mummy porn" the genre exemplified by the bestselling "50 Shades" book series and "green-on-blue" military attacks by forces regarded as neutral, as when members of the Afghan army or police attack foreign troops.

The Olympics offered up finalists including the verb "to medal", "Games Maker" the name given to thousands of Olympic volunteers and distance runner Mo Farah's victory dance "the Mobot."

Europe's financial crisis lent the shortlisted word "Eurogeddon", while technology produced "second screening" watching TV while simultaneously using a computer, phone or tablet and social media popularised the acronym "YOLO", you only live once.

The final shortlisted term is an old word given new life. "Pleb", a derogatory epithet for lower-class people, was allegedly uttered to a police officer by British Cabinet minister Andrew Mitchell. He denied using the term, but resigned.

The word of the year does not automatically gain entrance into the Oxford dictionary.

For a new word to be included in an Oxford dictionary there must be strong evidence that the word or expression will have staying power in everyday language.

Excerpt from:
Word of the year 'omnishambles' reflects British mood