Derivation

Some Great Examples of Modern-Day Neologisms

Neologisms are newly coined terms, words, or phrases, that may be commonly used in everyday life but have yet to be formally accepted as constituting mainstream language. Neologisms represent the evolving nature of the English language. Over time people create new words that express concepts or ideas that were previously expressed using other words or use words that may not have existed at all. Neologisms can be completely new words, new meanings for existing words or new semes in existing words. Here are some examples of neologisms that are finding their way into modern-day English language.

• Geobragging: Repeated status updates noting your location in an attempt to get attention or make other people jealous.
• Ego surfer: A person who boosts his ego by searching for his own name on Google and other search engines.
• Muffin top: This refers to the (often unsightly) roll of fat that appears on top of trousers that feature a low waist.
• Chilax: To calm down or relax, it is a slang term used when someone is starting to get uptight about something that is happening.

The Washington Post Neologism Competition

Every year The Washington Post runs an annual competition in which the readers of the newspaper are asked to submit alternative meanings to existing words. The results are often extremely amusing. Here are examples of Washington Post neologisms:

• Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.
• Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.
• Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.
• Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.
• Balderdash (n.), a rapidly receding hairline.

CONCLUSION

• Word formation system is the limitless source and resource for creating new vocabulary units by reproducing the WF patterns;
• Knowing WF rules and patterns allows to catch up the creative spirit of the language and develop linguistic word-formational competence which promotes a comprehensive acquisition of the vocabulary of the English language and enhances the creative approach to the language learning.
• In general use, word formation includes word derivation and semantic derivation, which, together with word loaning, serve to enlarge, enrich and reinforce the English vocabulary.