It's a scandal - if this sort of thing riles you. As a writer it certainly should.
It turns out that one of the most esteemed editors of the Oxford English Dictionary deleted thousands of words because he simply didn't like them.
Sarah Ogilvie is the author of WORDS OF THE WORLD, a forthcoming look at the history of the OED, and she has covered widespread deletions by the renowned Robert Burchfield. He had a tendency to delete 'foreign' words, despite having had a reputation for opening up the dictionary to the wider world.
So rather like Hotel California - you can check out a word but it should never be allowed to leave.
What words would you like to see in the dictionary? Do you use a dictionary when you write? Do you use your own made-up words in your writing to any extent?

Victoria Whithear on December 2, 2012
I can't believe they mentioned space contraints. If you go to the trouble and expense of buying the full OED, you want the whole English language, not just the bits that fit into the size binding they've chosen!
3Personally, I use an online dictionary or sometimes even just Google. That opens you up to words as yet not included.
I don't think I have ever made words up, but I'd love to.
Adrian Sroka on December 2, 2012
Hi Cressida.
1I do use made-up words in my historical fantasy novel. Names of places, characters, peoples occupations, and unusual objects.
I do use an old copy of the Oxford Compact Dictionary, and like Victoria, I also use online dictionaries.
Cressida Dickens Haynes on December 3, 2012
Hi Cressida, nice to meet another one. I use a dictionary and a thesaurus - invaluable. No one has the right to delete words merely because they don't like them. Three cheers for all and any words that get a message across...
2Natalie Wilson on December 8, 2012
I think the english language is going down the pan hardly anyone knows how to spell correctly these days.
3Barbara McClenaghan on December 9, 2012
to delete words in a Dictionary is to delete the writer.Its like he's saying we have no right to certain words because he says so. it's disgusting.
2