What is a Neologism?!
A Neologism is a “new” word which is contrived from a combination of two words and is being introduced and used in the English language. It could almost be regarded as the invention of a word or phrase.
An example:
“automagically” This would stem from “automatic and magically”
A Neoligism could be explained as a word that is in the process of being used INTRODUCED in common language. The word is being introduced almost unintentionally and in time is accepted into mainstream language.
The addition of a suffix or prefix which is placed in front or at the end of a word, also finds its way to becoming an accepted word.
An example:
e.g a-locate: dis + trust
New terms are often created by the combination of existing words or by given words which make them new and unique.
An example:
Chatroom-monitoring.
A grammatical error on the part of a non-native speaker, can sometimes find its way into conversation. A neologism may also be created by a slip of the tongue.
Neologisms often become accepted parts of the language. When a word or phrase is no longer "new", it is no longer a neologism. Neologisms may take decades to become "old"
In cultures that are changing rapidly Neologisms tend to occur often. Also in situations where there is easy and fast spreading of information.
Further Examples of Neologisms
jig-sawdust, noun
The above developed from sawdust-like bits that fall off jig-saw puzzle pieces.
Blamestorming:
A situation of people sitting around in a group, discussing why a deadline was missed or a project failed, and who the responsible the responsible party or parties were.
Starter Marriage:
A marriage that is short-lived and ends in divorce with no children, no property and no remorse.
plane-spotter
It is a well known fact now, after many years of using this Neologism, that Plane-spotters are almost exclusively white, male and British.
false-positive
This stemmed from a test for one aspect and the result showed a problem in another direction
poop-scoops
Poop-scoop : some wanted more help for dog owners to be clean. Coin-op bins and plastic glove dispensers in parks were suggested; poop-scoops
Kleenex, hoover , band-aid, aspirin, Laundromat are examples of generalized trademarks
Evolution of neologisms
When new words are created, as in a neologism, they tend to follow recognizable stages:
• At first they are unstable – that is when they are very new, being proposed, or being used only by a small subculture (these called be called protologisms)
• Spread out – in that they have a significant frequency of use, but not yet having gained widespread approval
• Steady – having gained recognizable heights, and then become recognised.
• Dated – this is the point where the word has stopped being novel, it has entered formal linguistic acceptance and, the possibilities of it becoming a cliché.
Passé – this is the stage when a neologism becomes so culturally dated that it is in fact avoided because it could be seen as a stigma.
Why a stigma?! Because it could have been developed in accordance with the culture at the time and the cultural tradition may have changed. Hundreds of years later, the word is out of keeping with the present day.
That wraps up our overview of neologisms. If you have any more to suggest, add them in the comments below.
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