Wordwatching: Breaking into the Dictionary - It’s His Word Against Theirs

Alex Horne loves words. He loves them so much, in fact, that he’s decided to invent his own a and get them into the dictionary.
But, as Alex discovers, gaining entry into the official lexicon takes more than just a gentle word in the ear of the editor. Evidence is required u Alex needs proof that his word are being spoken by more people than just him and his mum. He needs what the dictionary authorities call a ‘corpus’ of examples, hard data showing that his new words are in widespread and long-term usage. So a corpus he resolves to create, no matter what obstacles he might meet on the way. This is the epic and ridiculous story of one man’s struggle to break into the dictionary.
From covert word-dropping on Countdown to hijacking TV interviews and wilfully misinforming young schoolchildren, Alex tries it all in his quest for dictionary-based immortality. Does he succeed? Exactly what is a ‘mental safari’? And are you already using one of Alex’s words without realising it?