'Shameless' may enter dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary has confirmed that the word "Shameless" is being considered for future entry, with a new definition based on the Channel 4 programme.

The dictionary's chief editor John Simpson told The Times that a "watching brief" had been set up for the word.

Communities secretary Hazel Blears recently said that the current system does not do enough to help "Shameless families" get jobs.

The show's creator Paul Abbott told the newspaper that the word should in fact refer to the statement of an unapologetic attitude from this part of society.

"Shameless is one of those words that's still acceptable," he said.

"You can't say pikey, hoody has had its day. Shameless is not offensive. It's a lazy piece of referencing by the MPs to refer to the underclass."

David Threlfall, who plays Frank Gallagher on the show, recently said that the programme is relevant to people in the ongoing economic crisis.