Comparison of Colloquial Terms in Two Mexican Spanish Dictionaries: An Analysis Based on Examples of Use. “Gacho” and “Ultimadamente”

This paper focuses on identifying which elements encapsulated in dictionary examples are the most helpful in aiding users to fully understand entry definitions. Specifically, out of 16 examples analyzed in two entries found in two recently published Mexican Spanish dictionaries (selected from a sample of 68 entries), 11 have been identified as failing in their main purpose: to accurately illustrate the definitions they accompany. Despite the development of lexicographic methodologies, no precise, well- defined parameters have been established on the choice or creation of effective, useful examples. The examples in this study were analyzed according to criteria based on corpus linguistics.