My name is Paris, and for a long time, I've used the word "hurted". This might surprise you, but it isn't an official word. That doesn't stop it from fully capturing my expressions and those of others who have adopted its use. Yet, we often face unfair scrutiny and even mockery because it's not officially recognized.

Countless languages have words that have been informally used and subsequently adopted into their respective language. "Selfie" and "Tweet" only became official English words because of their widespread use, marking the evolution of our language (Oxford Languages). The recognition of "hurted" could help highlight the dynamism and adaptability of our language, as a large part of the English speaking community already uses it in everyday conversation.

We, therefore, urge linguists, educators, and dictionary publishers to consider the inclusion of "hurted" as an official English word. Our language is continuously growing, and we should embrace changes instead of shaming individuals for their contribution to this growth. Stand with us and sign this petition; let us define our language together, without the shame associated with using unrecognized words.