Neologism Terms

Coined

Entirely new; speakers invent a new sound sequence paired with new meaning. Ex: Meh, dweeb

Acronym

1st letter/letters of a word that is used to spell a new word. Ex: Radar from radio

Alphabetic Abbreviation

Each of their letters is individually pronounced, type of shortening. Ex: CD (compact disc)

Clippings

Spelling of a word has been shortened. Ex: Prof for professor

Blends

Forming new nouns from existing ones. Ex: Ebonics ebony phonics; aberzombie

Gentrified Words

When the brand becomes the main name for its item. Ex: Kleenex, Cornflakes

Proper nouns

A trait, quality, act, or behavior associated with a person is used to form a new noun. Ex: Memerize from Anoton Mesmer (animal magnetism)

Borrowings: Direct

Taking words from other languages and incorporating it into one’s own. Ex: Kindergarten, perogies

Borrowing: Indirect

When an expression from one language is directly translated into another, sometimes called a calque. Ex: La yard for yard

Metaphorical Extention

When a language doesn’t have the exact word or phrase to describe a concept, an existing word receives a new meaning to accommodate. Ex: Ocean navigate words to describe space exploration

Broadening

The use of existing words become broader. Ex: Cool from jazz

Narrowing

When use of a word narrows. Ex: Meat in the past vs meat today

Semantic Drift/Shift

When the meaning changes over time, it can shift negatively or positively. Ex: Gay

Reversal

Word takes an opposite meaning, most common in slang. Ex: Bad