Neologism
A neologism is a newly created word or phrase that is gaining traction in everyday usage but has not yet been formally recognized in mainstream language. Often emerging due to technological advancements, cultural influences, or the blending of existing terms, neologisms represent a critical aspect of linguistic evolution. They are categorized by their level of usage, with various stages of acceptance: starting as protologisms, advancing to prelogisms, and finally reaching the neologism stage when they become widely used. If a neologism gains enough popularity, it may eventually be added to dictionaries, ceasing to be considered a neologism.
Examples of neologisms include "brunch," a blend of "breakfast" and "lunch," and terms like "laser" and "robot," which were once new words but are now standard. While some view neologisms as a natural evolution of language, others see them as potential corruptions. The use of neologisms in writing can lend a modern feel but may also confuse readers who are unfamiliar with these emerging terms. Overall, neologisms illustrate the dynamic and ever-changing nature of language.
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Neologism
A neologism is a newly or recently created word or phrase actively gaining common usage without formally entering mainstream language. Often arising as the result of technological advancement, the blending of existing words, or the influence of other cultures, neologisms are classified by their degree of usage in a given language. If the use of a neologism grows sufficiently widespread, it may ultimately become an officially accepted word and be added to the dictionary. In that case, the word in question would then cease to be a neologism. This means that words can only be classified as neologisms for a limited time. In fact, neologism is the term for the last stage an emergent word proceeds through before becoming an accepted part of a language. Terms for the earlier stages in this process include protologism and prelogism. Many words officially considered to be part of modern language were once considered neologisms. Some notable examples include laser, robot, and freelancer.
Background
Neologisms are a concept within the broader linguistic field of etymology, which is the study of word origins and the evolution of language. Etymologists examine the history of words in order to better understand their meaning and the development of the language. The term etymology itself dates back to 1398 and is a compound of the Greek words etymon (the true sense of something) and logos (word).
Etymologists have established several ways for new words to enter a language. One of the most common is via borrowing from other languages. This is particularly common in the English language, which includes many words borrowed from other languages. For example, the word doppelganger was borrowed from German, and the word smorgasbord was borrowed from Swedish. New words also frequently enter language thanks to the introduction of technological advancements. Such was the case with the rise of computer technology in the latter half of the twentieth century, which led to the emergence of words like disk and bytes. Similarly, brand names can also become words used to describe the type of product they represent. Some instances of this linguistic phenomenon include Kleenex and Xerox. Sometimes, new words arise when a person creates or popularizes something that becomes associated with their name. A notable example of this is the term sideburns, which was derived from the name of Ambrose E. Burnside, a Civil War-era general known for sporting a particularly bushing type of facial hair. Yet another way for new words to be created is when initials come to replace another word that represents an object or concept. Examples include TV instead of “television” and DUI instead of “driving under the influence.” In some instances, new words arise out of practical necessity. It was once commonly believed that it was bad luck if someone set foot on the door threshold while entering a house. Wealthy people frequently employed a servant whose job it was to stand at the door while people were entering to prevent this from happening. Eventually, this servant became known as a footman.
Overview
A neologism is a newly created word that is beginning to enter common use, but has not yet been formally accepted into mainstream language. Some neologisms also arise when a new meaning is applied to an existing word. In either case, neologisms play a critical part in the evolution of language.
Linguistic experts typically classify neologisms according to their degree of use in a given language. When a new word is initially coined, it is impossible to know if it will eventually enjoy widespread use and become a permanent addition to the language. At this stage, the new word is referred to as a protologism. As the newly coined word starts to enjoy some community usage, it enters a new stage called prelogism. When the word enters widespread usage, it is said to have reached the neologism stage. Ultimately, the word ceases to be a neologism when it is added to the dictionary and formally enters the language.
Different types of neologisms are categorized according to how they are created. Some neologisms are created through the blending of other existing words. These types of words are also sometimes known as portmanteaus. Some examples of previous neologisms that came from the blending of other words include brunch, which is a combination of “breakfast” and “lunch,” and smog, which is a blend of “smoke” and “fog.” Other neologisms emerge when words are borrowed from other languages. Such was the case when the French word herbes was transferred into English as herbs. Still other neologisms are derived words based on Latin or ancient Greek words or phrases. The word village, for example, first appeared in English as a neologism that was derived from the Latin word “villa.” Finally, in the field of psychiatric medicine, words made up by people with autism or mental illnesses are also sometimes considered to be neologisms.
Among those with a particular interest in language and linguistics, there is some divergence of opinion in regard to neologisms. While some see neologisms as a normal part of the evolution of language, others view them as corruptions of language. In most cases, the former perspective prevails over the latter simply because language is constantly changing and, as such, the introduction of neologisms has no lasting ill effects.
Using neologisms in any form of writing has advantages and disadvantages. The biggest advantage of using neologisms in writing is that doing so can help authors establish a sense of the modern. On the other hand, because neologisms sometimes end up being closely associated with specific periods of time, using them may unintentionally date one’s writing. In addition, neologisms could also be confusing to readers who are not yet familiar with emerging terms that have yet to reach the mainstream.
Bibliography
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