The Washington Post makes understanding tech terms easier with Sideways Dictionary

Robust collection of analogies will be available in stories on The Switch blog

The Washington Post today launched Sideways Dictionary, a new tool that uses analogies to help explain a range of technological terms and ideas. In collaboration with Google’s technology incubator, Jigsaw, The Post aims to supplement its reporting by offering readers clarity and comprehension for stories using tech jargon.

“Jargon is the enemy of good storytelling,” said Jeremy Gilbert, director of strategic initiatives. “The analogies in the Sideways Dictionary mimic the natural, often verbal patterns people use when explaining unknown terms. We hope this additional context helps users better understand how a word or term is being used.”

When reading a story on The Post’s tech and policy blog, The Switch, users will see highlighted terms they can click on which opens the dictionary. An analogy for the term is then presented in-line, and there is an option to view more analogies.

Users can also contribute by suggesting their own terms and analogies. All entries are moderated by The Post’s Audience Engagement team.

Read more about the technology here.