Of the 65, 000 words in the English dictionary, most English-speakers will only use 5-6, 000, Sheedy said.

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"To be told in my own country I can't use a word in the English dictionary - it's nonsense, " said Mr McColghan.

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Ian Brookes, consultant editor at Collins English Dictionary, agrees the figurative and metaphorical use of the word crept into the English language as an intensifier.

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"Two speakers, English and Chinese, will be able to communicate live without having to use the phrasebook or dictionary, " said Mr Davydov.

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