LL Cool J Had The Perfect Response To Merriam-Webster Tweeting The Definition Of 'Come Back'

You know, in 2024, it wouldn't be a Merriam-Webster new word entry without ruffling a few feathers, causing serious excitement, or maybe a little bit of both.

In recent years, some of the most debated new additions have been over the definitions of "woman," "racism," and the addition of the term, "second gentleman." Each of these additions led to conversations about representation, inclusion, and linguistic accuracy, and the conversations got really heated.

Now, a new word's inclusion is all about principle.

Last week, Merriam-Webster shared on their X (Twitter) account their definition of the verb "come back," which is:

"To recover from a deficit in a contest or competition."

On their website, they further explained the idiom:

"['Come back' is an idiom, meaning] to become strong, successful, or effective again after (an injury, failure, etc.)"

"For example, 'It can be difficult for an athlete to come back from an injury like this.'"

The very next day, famous American rapper and actor LL Cool J provided the perfect response to the definition.

"Don't call it that."

Fans were thrilled by the four-word response, as it directly referenced one of LL Cool J's most popular songs in the '90s.

LL Cool J was one of the first rappers in the 1990s to achieve commercial success, and he maintains both a following and a nostalgic crowd of fans to this day.

The famous 1990 hit, "Mama Said Knock You Out," opens with the following lines:

"Don't call it a comeback. I been here for years."

"I'm Rockin' my peers, puttin' suckers in fear."

"Makin' the tears rain down like a monsoon."

"Listen to the bass go boom."

You can watch the official music video here:

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

And Merriam-Webster did not miss a beat, coming back with a response moments later.

"We've been here for years (since 1828)."

Some people unapologetically rode the wave of nostalgia.

Others applauded LL Cool J and Merriam-Webster for their banter.

And Merriam-Webster had to give credit where credit was due, sharing the definition of "GOAT."

"GOAT, or G.O.A.T.: the greatest of all time."

There's nothing like a little nostalgia and lighthearted rivalry to get people talking about language and the Merriam-Webster dictionary.

I mean, if throwbacks like this won't get kids reading (the dictionary), what will?!