Neologism
What is a Neologism? (with Examples)
A neologism is a newly coined word or term which has emerged into everyday usage.Some neologisms are formally accepted into mainstream language (at which point, they cease to be neologisms), and some wither until they can longer be considered everyday terms. A neologism can be:
- A completely new word (e.g., oversharers)
- A new combination of existing words (e.g., digital detox)
- A new meaning for an existing word (e.g., sick)
Examples of Neologisms
The following are examples of neologisms at the time of writing (2014):- Oversharers: People who post too much information (which is often boring or embarrassing) about themselves on line.
- Digital Detox: Abstaining from electronic devices to re-engage with the physical world, typically to lower stress levels.
- Sick: Good.
Examples of Old "Neologisms"
The following former neologisms have been formally accepted into mainstream language (this usually means appearing in a respectable dictionary). As a result, they can no longer be classified as neologisms.- D'oh!: An exclamation meaning damn (usually after a mistake by the speaker).
- Wicked: Good or cool.
- To Google: To look up information on the internet.
Examples of Neologisms under Transition
The following neologisms can be considered under transition. In other words, they are still neologisms, but it is likely they will be accepted into mainstream language soon.- Metrosexual: A heterosexual man who likes the interests traditionally associated with women or homosexual men (e.g., shopping, fashion, his appearance) .
- Noob: A person new to an online gaming community.
- Staycation: A vacation at home or near home (usually due to financial constraints preventing a holiday abroad).
- Troll: A person who posts obnoxious comments to an online community.
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