The reason AP Stylebook changes matter to those outside the insular world of copyeditors is because how AP goes so too goes society. When the Associated Press announced it would no longer use the term "illegal immigrant"--ruling that only actions can be illegal, not people--The New York Times shortly followed suit. Will how we refer to immigrants without proper paperwork change how we perceive them? Perhaps, in the long arc of history.

In that same way, the fact the vegans and vegetarians are finally getting their own definitions in the AP Stylebook suggests that they have become very nearly mainstream. It may not have much effect on how people who choose not to eat meat are perceived, but at least it will spread the word about their decisions.

And, evidently, Buffalo wings finally needed someone to explain if they're really made of Buffalo.

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"Sichuan is the preferred spelling: Sichuan peppercorns (not Szechwan)."
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AP Stylebook Adds 'Aioli,' 'Vegan,' and 'Buffalo Wings'