Oxford English Dictionary appeals to public to help trace the history of English words

Using a new community space on the OED website, editors are enlisting the public's help to find new information about the history and usage of English words

The public can post evidence on the website. Evidence is particularly sought about the earliest usage of words being researched.

OED editors are currently looking for usage of words including 'Ironman' from earlier than 1979, and 'Bellini' from before 1956.

Site users are asked to post their evidence in the comments. Evidence can be any verifable record of a word being used.

The OED wants to create the most accurate record of the English language that they can. You can find out which words the editors need help with on the Appeals home page.