How to Find Free Dictionaries and Spell Checks with Internet Terms, Grammar and Usage

Common Spell Checkers Often Miss Common Web, Computer and Technical Words and Slang

When writing about an unfamiliar subject for a magazine once, I quickly discovered that I had no idea of the proper usage of certain uncommon and very specific words used by technology buffs. certain words? My bosses were no help. Sure, they could "talk the talk" but expected me to understand the general spelling. and grammar rules for brand new terms, some only months old.

Since then, I've discovered some helpful sites and programs that contain words not found in the average spell check programs. Even with spell checkers focusing only on medical or computer terms, I don't always agree with every word or spelling. There is some debate and disagreement in various fields about when and how to use certain words or terms. Sometimes I have to consult an expert or do more research to get a better answer. But most of the time, the spell checkers have helped me find the answer I need and saved precious time.

Here's some spell checkers worth a look when you wonder how to spell or use internet words or acronyms or slang:

1. For internet bloggers, techies, computer industry professionals or anyone who needs to know the latest spelling of internet acronyms or common text messaging terms:

Take a look at Netlingo at www.netlingo.com/inframes.cfm; This site has bee praised widely, in The New York Times, Fortune and a host of others, for good reason..

Special features that make this site useful:
An online dictionary with common and uncommon terms. Examples include common words like e-mail as well as less obvious ones like anticipointment.

A list of newly added lingo for those who want to stay up to date or in the loop.

Many Top 50 lists in many areas, from the most common text terms to Top 50 lists for parents, heads of businesses and others.

Explanations about why their spelling or grammar usages are suggested. Check out their explanation on e-mail for instance, which is a logical way to determine when to hyphenate this word as well as others like etailing and ecruiting (notice the lack of hyphens in the last two words).