'Al Desko' Added To Oxford Dictionary, But How Familiar Of A Word Is It?
By Steve Tawa
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The Oxford English Dictionary often rings in the New Year by adding new definitions, now that its editors have enough evidence that they are widely used.
One definition centers on workers who toil at their desks, and grab a bite while others go out to lunch.
That word is 'al desko.' It's sort of an ironic play on the phrase to eat 'al fresco,' for eating outdoors.
KYW Newsradio spoke to people at Reading Terminal Market, asking if they were familiar with the term.
"Ah, ummm, some sort of amalgam, or something?"
(Reporter): It has lunch implications...
"Al fresco, but at a desk!"
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"Ummm, the way you eat lunch?"
(Reporter) At your work desk...
"Oh, al desko (laughs). Ok, got it."
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"It's like 'al dente' and 'al fresco' mixed together."
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This man was certain that he nailed it:
"A male referring to his desk. This is my EL desko!"
Some complain they eat "al desko" because of pressure from their employers. Others say they use the opportunity to stay put at their desk for lunch to browse social media sites, or to shop.
Overall, many people who spoke with KYW Newsradio said they eat 'al desko' anywhere from two to four times a week.
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