Word experts working on a new dictionary have been told that their efforts probably won't be printed.
80 lexicographers are beavering away preparing the next edition of the Oxford English Dictionary - OED3.
But publishers have warned them that their work may not make it to the bookshops due to the decline in the market for printed reference works.
They've been at work for 21 years and have completed jut 28 per cent of the project.
"It's tough going," said one of the wordy types. "You think you've done the G's for example, then some clever geezer comes up with new technology and you have to add new words."
"Actually we just got sick of waiting for the idle gets," said a spokesman for the commissioners.
"I mean, how long can it take?"
