A Word is a Word - or is it?

With all the new words that appear daily (portmanteau or otherwise) have you ever wondered how new words achieve dictionary-inclusion status?

In answer to this question - It is up to the almighty dictionary editors. New words are located by dictionary editors through magazines, newspapers, and various other media including online sources. If a word is found frequently enough in various sources with the same meaning and if the editors think the word has long-term staying power then there is a good chance the word will make it into the dictionary's next update.