THE Oxford English Dictionary has received a splendiferous new update inspired by the language of one of the world's most popular children's authors.

Roald Dahl was born 100 years ago today and the quarterly update of the dictionary includes a number of words coined by or associated with the writer.

It comes after Oxford University Press (OUP) published the Roald Dahl Dictionary earlier this year, an illustrated book aimed at children.

Words in the new edition of the OED include scrumdiddlyumptious and Oompa Loompa, while scrumptious and splendiferous have been revised to include quotations reflecting their use in Dahl's books.

OUP commissioning editor Samantha Armstrong said: "We are really excited to see that these words are moving outside of children's reading and the books that they love and into everyday language and communication.

"It shows how Roald Dahl played with language and the sound of language.

"The OED has a really rigorous assessment, every word has to prove itself before it can be included.

"The words have to be used and have been around for a length of time.

"They have to be used outside the work of Roald Dahl and they have to have a breadth of use.

"Oompa Loompa, for example, is being used in everyday conversation."

Other phrases, such as "witching hour" predate Dahl but are strongly associated with his work–in this case The BFG.

Golden ticket has origins long before Charlie and the Chocolate Factory but will always be remembered for the moment when Charlie Bucket found one in the wrapper of a Wonka Whipple-Scrumptious Fudge Mallow Delight.

Roald Dahl Dictionary designer Karen Stewart said: "The Roald Dahl Dictionary has been one of my favourite books I have ever worked on.

"It was five years in the making to do this book, it was a lot of work but my goodness it was worth it.

"What I learned was that language is living and breathing.

"I read Roald Dahl's books again and fell in love with his language and stories.

"I began to realise that the words could be used visually and how much fun I could have and how easy it is.

"For example you have an entry for upside down so just just put the text upside down."

The OED's update also includes words without an association with Dahl, including cheeseball–meaning someone lacking taste, style or originality–and squee, which means a high-pitched squealing sound of delight or excitement.

Roald Dahl's grandson Luke Kelly, managing director of The Roald Dahl Literary Estate, said: "It’s no secret that my grandfather, took particular relish in playing with language and making it his own.

"Of all the many wonderful tributes being paid to him in his centenary year, the inclusion of his words and phrases within the iconic Oxford English Dictionary feels not only one of the most fitting but one that I know would have made him extremely happy and proud."