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These are neologisms collected by an undergraduate linguistics class at Rice University during the fall of 2003.
[Top]
| Cablinasian |
| context and source: "And then Tiger Woods said he wasn't actually 'black' at all -- he was 'Cablinasian.'" Website; 11/7/03. |
| apparent meaning: This word literally means "Caucasian-Black-Indian-Asian." Tiger Woods coined this term to describe his heritage after the media began to incorrectly categorize him as African American, when in fact he was not. This term was coined to make it easier for Tiger Woods to describe his heritage as not simply African American. |
| type of word formation: blend of Caucasian, Black, Indian, and Asian |
| dictionary entry: cablinasian [blend Caucasian + Black + Indian + Asian] Adjective.Being of Caucasian, Black, Indian, and Asian descent. |
| Calcapalooza |
| context and source: "I'm having a calcapalooza!" (conversation with University of Texas sophomore 24 Nov 2003) |
| composed of: 'calculus' (advanced mathematical subject) + 'lollapalooza' (something that is a remarkable example of its kind) |
| apparent meaning: celebration after passing a difficult calculus test |
| type of word formation: blend of 'calculus' + 'lollapalooza' |
| reason used: This person was trying to express his relief and joy at having done particularly well on a difficult test. Here, 'lollapalooza' doesn't have quite the meaning that the dictionary gives it. In this instance, it is being used as the name of the large touring rock concert of the same name (which uses the word in its dictionary sense-a particularly remarkable example of that type of music), i.e. more to convey the celebratory, party atmosphere that the concert brings. This word was then blended with 'calculus' to clarify just what was being celebrated. |
dictionary entry: Calcapalooza, n.
celebration after passing a difficult calculus test ('the class had a calcapalooza') [blend of 'calculus' + 'lollapalooza'] |
| Camphone |
| n. a cellular phone with a small camera. This word is formed by clipping "cam" from "camera" and then blending it with "phone". Context and source: On the Internet on 11/12/2003 |
| cebit |
| context and source: "cebits will soon become obsolete?." (conversation with a computer science friend, 10/10/03) |
| apparent meaning: classical bits - the bits used to store information in our computers today |
| type of word formation: analogy |
| reason used: Bits in our computers used to store information are usually called just bits. However, physicists building a theoretical model for a quantum computer refer to bits in a quantum computer as qubits (q-bits). Hence, during a discussion about quantum computing, my friend and I felt the need to call classical bits (i.e. bits in our computers, often referred to as a classical computer) cebits (c-bits), not just bits. |
dictionary entry: cebit, n.
Classical bit, as opposed to a quantum bit ("The bits in today's computers are cebits") [analogy: 'c ' + 'e' + 'bit' - cebit] |
| celly |
| context and source: "Out and about. Call the celly 268.9596!" L. M.'s away message, 10-31-03. |
| composed of: "cellular telephone" (portable oral communication device) + "-y" (dim) |
| apparent meaning: cellular phone |
| type of word formation: zero derivation, clipping, and derivation |
| reason used: The zero derivation and clipping have become standard in American usage ("cell" for "cellular telephone"), for convenience's sake. The diminutive "-y" was probably added to make the word roll off the tongue better or sound cuter. |
dictionary entry: " celly, n.
cellular phone ("Remember, I'm only a celly away.") [New formation by zero derivation, clipping, and derivation from "cellular phone" + "-y".] |
| Cereal |
| context and source: Are you friggin' cereal?" (Javier Otero, November 3rd, 2003) |
| composed of: cereal' (no change) |
| apparent meaning: Another form of the word serious. |
| type of word formation: Slight Rhyming Compound |
| reason used: The speaker was probably looking for a creative, slightly humorous variation to the word serious. Cereal rhymes slightly with serious and that is the most reasonable explanation for why cereal was chosen to replace serious. |
dictionary entry: Cereal
adj. Not joking : earnest: sincere. Synonym of serious. [Rhyming compound of serious] |
| Checkya |
| context and source: "Checkya later!" (As an e-mail closing from P. S., 9-24-03) |
| composed of: check (inspect, consult) + "ya" (informal of "you") |
| apparent meaning: Something along the lines of "talk to you" or "see you;" would most likely be found almost exclusively in co-occurrence with "later." |
| type of word formation: compounding |
| reason used: The word was used in an e-mail by a co-advisor to his O-Week group. In addition to being an informal and catchy signoff phrase, "checkya" implies the speaker's intention to actively keep in touch by stating that he or she will make the effort to "check in" in the future. |
dictionary entry: Checkya, v.
(I will) be in touch ("Checkya later!") [new formation by compounding; formed from "check" + "you/ya"] |
| Cheesing |
"He can't stop cheesing!"
conversation - 11/18/03
Definition - v. process of smiling uncontrollably. Probably rooted from cheese, as in "Say cheese!" while taking pictures, to make people having the appearance of smiling. |
| Chillax |
| context and source: Man, he needs to just chillax." (Andrés Sanchez, October 26th, 2003) |
| composed of: Chill x Relax |
| apparent meaning: To take it easy, cool down, or just relax. Someone can also be a 'chillaxed' person, basically meaning that they are very relaxed and calm. |
| type of word formation: Blend (chill & relax) |
| reason used: The speaker was probably looking for a word that would go beyond simply, "He needs to calm down." The blend of chill and relax suggests that the person is beyond the condition in which they may simply relax and, as a result, this word was coined to place more emphasis on how much a particular person needs to relax and chill out. The adjective form of this word was derived by adding the '-ed' suffix and the meaning slightly altered to describe someone who had achieved this state of being both chilled out and relaxed. |
dictionary entry: Chillax v.
To become less tense or rigid. |
| Chillax |
"Take it easy and chillax!"
From the movie "Final Destination 2"
Definition - to relax. The word combines "chill" and "relax." |
| Chillax |
| context and source: "Will you chillax?" (conversation with Lovett freshman 17 Oct 2003) |
| composed of: 'chill' (to calm down) + 'relax' (to calm down) |
| apparent meaning: calm down |
| type of word formation: blend of 'chill' + 'relax' |
| reason used: The speaker was trying to get someone to calm down and so would normally choose a word like 'chill' (clipped form of 'chill out') or 'relax.' However, the speaker wanted to emphasize her point especially well, and so combined two words with essentially the same meaning to doubly underscore her meaning. |
dictionary entry: Chillax, v.
to calm down ('will you chillax?') [blend of 'chill' + 'relax'] |
| chillax |
| context and source: "Dude, you're too stressed out. You need to just chillax." Said by my friend at dinner to me after getting out of lab. October 8, 2003 |
| composed of: chill 'to calm down' + relax 'to become less tense' |
| apparent meaning: to become more relaxed, to chill out, to become less tense |
| type of word formation: blending and clipping |
| reason used: A creative new way to say chill out or relax. Sounds cooler, more hip and with it. |
| dictionary entry: chillax - v. to become at ease, loose, relaxed, etc. ('you need to just chillax') [blending and clipping; formed from 'chill' + 'relax'] |
| Chillaxin |
| context and source: Roommated described what she was doing as "chillaxin" (Oct. 27, 2003) |
| composed of: chilling + relaxing |
| apparent meaning: Taking a break |
| type of word formation: blend |
| reason used: She found it more creative, fun and descriptive to combine the two words than to just use one. |
dictionary entry: Chillaxin, adj.
To be in a state of relaxation (Come on over, I'm just chillaxin.) [new blend; formed from 'chilling' and 'relaxing'] |
| Chineseness |
| n., the lifestyle or quality of Chinese. Derivation of noun from an adjective/noun "Chinese" by adding the noun-forming suffix "-ness" meaning "state" or "quality". It may also be formed by an analogy with words like "plainness" and "happiness". Context and source: "It is dangerous to bring your cultural beliefs and your Chineseness into the church." |
| Chipotle |
| context and source: "They had chipotles in the servery today" Sid Rich freshman Oct. 2003 |
| apparent meaning: An especially large burrito |
| type of word formation: Brand generalization of Chipotle, a fast food burrito restaurant. |
| reason used: Chipotle sells the style of burrito that could be found in the servery. |
| dictionary entry: Chipotle, n. a large burrito [brand generalization: Chipotle, a Tex-Mex style fast food restaurant, from chipotle, Spanish, a variety of pepper] |
| chotch |
| context and source: "I can't stand being around Scott. He is such a chotch!" - John M. Hannah, Suitemate |
| composed of: 'chotch' |
| apparent meaning: Someone who is very unpleasant to be around |
| type of word formation: unknown, seems to be created spontaneously |
| reason used: The speaker wanted to illustrate how annoying the person was, but the speaker did not want to resort to profanity or use commonplace words such as 'idiot' or 'jerk.' |
dictionary entry: Chotch N.
a person who is very annoying as a result of trying to be too cool or agreeable. |
| Christmakkuh |
| context and source: "It's a miracle of Christmakkuh. You've got Jesus and Moses working on your team." - The OC (A television show) 12-3-03 |
| composed of: 'Christmas' + 'Chanukah' |
| apparent meaning: A combination between Christmas and Chanukah. |
| type of word formation: blending |
| reason used: The speaker wanted to create a term that would describe the combination of the two holidays. This way, instead of using the generic term 'holidays' he was able include the names of both holidays to include Jews and Christians. |
dictionary entry: Christmakkuh; N.
a holiday that combines Christmas and Chanukah. |
| Chuuch |
| context and source: No matter how successful I become, I must 'member to always chuuch. - Snoop Dogg 10-30-03 |
| composed of: 'church' |
| apparent meaning: the act of doing something that would seem alien to someone extremely successful. |
| type of word formation: almost a zero derivation |
| reason used: The speaker was able to communicate the importance of keeping God in his life with a single word. |
dictionary entry: Chuuch; v.
the act of keeping God in your life. |
| claver |
| context and source: "She told me that Baker seems to have a high density of clavers," in conversation with J. G., Hanszen freshman. 10-21-03. |
| composed of: "conclave" (secret association of parties with a common goal or interest) + "-er" (noun suffix) |
| apparent meaning: an individual fitting a stereotype of science fiction and fantasy enthusiasts. |
| type of word formation: derivation and clipping |
| reason used: the word was coined to refer to members of Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts's Conclave of Fantasy-Adventure. The word fills a gap in the American teenager's vocabulary for a very specific and well-defined demographic in high schools across the country. |
| dictionary entry: " claver, n. An individual outside of mainstream American teenage life, usually interested in fantasy, science fiction, and role playing games, of a particular appearance and social stratum. ("The clavers pretty much stick to themselves because they're not accepted among their peers.") [New word formation by compounding from "conclave" + "er".] |
| Clubbing |
| context and source: "Do you want to go clubbing tomorrow night?" (Claire Cambell, September 25th, 2003) |
| composed of: 'club' (original word) + 'b' (added vowel, such as in dubbing) + '-ing' (V) |
| apparent meaning: Used as a verb as in "to go clubbing," To go out to a club, normally at night. |
| type of word formation: Derivation of verb by affixation of '-ing' to current noun 'club' |
| reason used: The speaker used this as an easy way to ask a question. A nightclub or club consists of music, dancing, drinking, and eating as well. Rather than use the entire phrase "Let's go out to a club," go out to a club can now be expressed in on single verb, clubbing. This was a derivation of the word club (clipping of nightclub) to form a verb from a noun. |
dictionary entry: Clubbing
v. To go out to a dance club or a nightclub to dance or simply hang out. [Derivation by affixing '-ing' (v) to 'club' (n)] |
| Cockblock |
(V)
The act of preventing a male to talk to, dance with, or interact with a female. (This is most commonly used with girlfriends at a club, when one girl doesn't want her friend to talk to a certain boy.)
I began hearing the word in the late 1990's.
This is a compound of "cock" (in this case, using the male genitalia as a metonymy for a male) + "block."
Ex: "Francine was cockblocking me at the club on Saturday night because she didn't want me dancing with her ex-boyfriend, Sam. Every time we would try to dance with each other she would jump in between us and break us apart. How rude!" as heard in a conversation with a Jones College freshman girl, November 25, 2003.
|
| cockblock |
| context and source: Something to the effect of "Don't be such a cockblock!" -- Heard from a few of my friends and also on the MTV show 'The Real World' in the spring of 2003 |
| composed of: cock 'slang for penis' + block 'stop, impede, or prevent' |
| apparent meaning: someone or something preventing another person from engaging in sexual activity |
| type of word formation: compound |
| reason used: it's a short, humorous expression to describe someone or something's unwanted presence during a person's attempt to have sex |
| dictionary entry: cockblock - n. someone or something preventing a person from engaging in consensual sexual activity. ('My roommate tagged along when my girlfriend and I went for dinner, and his presence was such a cockblock.') [compound; formed from 'cock' + 'block'] |
| comped |
| context and source: 'These rich people are in the comped category.' (comedy TV show, week of 11/24, 2003) |
| composed of: 'complimentary' (free, doesn't cost anything) X 'ed' (ADJ) |
| apparent meaning: the privileged few who don't have to work hard in life because they are rich |
| type of word formation: clipping with a suffix added |
| reason used: The TV show was trying to break society into social groups in a funny way, when it came up with this word. This word was used to describe the upper class of society; the people that don't have to work for a living or worry about anything because of their wealth. Basically, 'complimentary' was used with the suffix 'ed' to turn an adjective into a noun; a group of people that get everything pretty much free, or 'complimentary.' |
dictionary entry: comped, n.
an upper level social class that use their money to get things done for them ('those comped are so full of themselves') [clipping; arising from 'complimentary' X 'ed'] |
| complification |
| context and source: In another linguistics course, a student used this word to show the opposite concept to simplification in a language's history. |
| apparent meaning: the process of making something more complicated or more complex. |
| type of word formation: literal antonymization |
| reason used: Honestly, I think he didn't realize at the time that "complication" is a word in English and was available for his use. On a linguistic level, this new word emphasizes the verbal background and how he really wanted to convey the idea of a process, as opposed to a state of being. |
| dictionary entry: complification - n. - the act or process of making something more complicated or complex. Formed by taking a known word and creating what was thought to be the antonym. Students of linguistics often discuss whether English's gradual loss of grammatical rules is resulting in its simplification or its complification. |
| concerting |
| context and source: "There are very few concerting things these days, and my Spanish class is one of them." (a college student discussing being stressed 11/16/03) |
| apparent meaning: opposite that of 'disconcerting', implies comforting, suitable. |
| type of word formation: from 'disconcerting' by dropping the prefix 'dis' |
| reason used: a poor attempt at humor |
dictionary entry: Concerting, adj.
Suitable, comforting, satisfying ('a concerting telephone conversation') [Clipping, formed from 'disconcerting'] |
| confuzzled |
| context and source: "This math problem has me all confuzzled." -conversation with friend, 11/16 |
| composed of: "confused" + "puzzled" |
| apparent meaning: to be both confused and puzzled by something at the same time |
| type of word formation: Blending |
| reason used: This word seems to be ideal for situations in which both "confused" and "puzzled" are applicable, and a complete description of the situation is lacking without the use of both concepts. "Confuzzled" is a logical blend of these two words, helped by the fact that there is a convenient way of splitting the two words. The prefix on "confused" is simply added to the last sounds of "puzzled." There is no awkward sound formation with this blend. |
dictionary entry: Confuzzled, adj.
Bewildered; confused and puzzled at the same time [new derivation, fr. "confused" + "puzzled."] |
| CONFUZZLED |
| context and source: "I'm so confuzzled. Where are we?" Conversation; 10/9/03. |
| apparent meaning: Confuzzled is a combination of the meanings of confused and puzzled. This word means that a person does not understand what is happening (confused) and at the same time, he does not know how to solve whatever predicament he happens to be in (puzzled). This term was coined to give a word with both of these meanings. |
| type of word formation: blend of confused and puzzled |
| dictionary entry: confuzzled [blend confused + puzzled] Adjective. Being without comprehension of the situation to the point of not being able to solve a predicament. |
| Confuzzling |
| context and source: "It's confuzzling." (Instant messaging a friend, 10/28/03) |
| composed of: 'confusing' (causing confusion or disorientation, lacking clarity of meaning) ['con-/co-' (with, together) + 'fund/found/fuse' (pour, blend) + '-ing' (V, A, N, present participle)] + 'puzzling' (causing confusion or perplexity, lacking clarity of meaning) ['puzzle' (to confuse or baffle mentally) + '-ing' (V, A, N, present participle)] |
| apparent meaning: causing confusion, disorientation, or perplexity; lacking clarity of meaning (more or less the same meaning as 'confusing' and 'puzzling') |
| type of word formation: blend |
| reason used: Although 'confusing' and 'puzzling' (and many other synonyms of these words) adequately describe things that cause confusion and puzzlement, these words have been used to such and extent that they may no longer be of any interest to those who are fond of describing things. As a result, someone probably chose to blend two of the most common words for this quality to create a fun neologism. |
dictionary entry: confuzzling, adj.
Causing confusion, disorientation, or perplexity; lacking clarity of meaning. ('a confuzzling problem') [new blend; formed from 'confusing' + 'puzzling'] |
| conglomo-coffee |
| context and source: "I detest conglomo-coffee places such as Starbucks, that Empire place is so much nicer." (A friend discussing coffee shops 8/28/03) |
| apparent meaning: referring to coffee products sold by big-name coffee vendors such as Starbucks and Diedrich's (especially Starbucks), emphasizing the fact that they control most of the market, but have lesser quality. |
| type of word formation: A blend, formed from 'conglomeration' and 'coffee' |
| reason used: she felt very strongly about the evil that is Starbucks, and was trying to refer to it in a clever but derogatory manner. The name hints at the fact that there is nothing unique or special about Starbucks, but rather that it is a large blob of a coffee conglomerate. |
dictionary entry: Conglomo-coffee, n.
A coffee product sold by large famous coffee shops that hold the monopoly in the coffee business. ('even the taste of conglomo-coffee differs from coffee made in family-owned little unknown coffee places'). {A blend, formed from 'conglomeration' and 'coffee'] |
| continuify |
| context and source: "Lets try and continuify this function" (IM conversation, 11/01/03) |
| composed of: 'continuous' (pertaining to continuous functions) + -'ify' V. - continuify |
| apparent meaning: to make a function continuous |
| type of word formation: analogy |
| reason used: Continuous functions have nice properties. While discussing a math problem, the speaker wanted to make an ill-behaved function continuous so it would have nice properties. The speaker analogized 'continuous' with continuous functions and affixed a verb form to create 'continuify', to describe the process of making a function continuous. |
dictionary entry: continuify, v.
Process of making a function continuous ('continuify a function') [analogy: 'continuous' (pertaining to continuous functions) + -'ify' V.] |
| Cookie-cutter |
| context and source: "At times, in fact, you feel like you're watching cookie-cutter action sequences with overcooked buddy-movie dialogue." (Click2Houston.com, 11/05/03) |
| composed of: 'cookie' (small, crisp, usually flat cake made from sweetened dough) + 'cut' (to form or shape by severing or incising) + '-er' (N, doer, performer of a certain action, one associated or involved with) |
| apparent meaning: (seemingly) mass-produced |
| type of word formation: zero derivation |
| reason used: For years, cookie dough has been cut into shapes before baking. They may have begun as circular disks, but now they resemble all sorts of animals, celestial objects, and holiday icons. Facilitating the formation of these shapes was the invention of the cookie-cutter (and later, the cookie-press), which is a (usually metal, sometimes plastic) sharp mold that cuts the desired figure from the rest of the dough. Because these utensils allow the baker to form a large number of shaped cookies at one time, these baked goods can be seen to be mass-produced, and because of this quality, many have zero-derived and semantically shifted the word 'cookie-cutter' to mean 'mass-produced,' as used for a plethora of items, such as houses, movies, and even scenes in movies. The word also seems to have a slight negative connotation, especially when referring to "original" things such as movies, books, and works of art. |
dictionary entry: cookie-cutter, adj.
Mass-produced, or seemingly so. ('the lackluster, cookie-cutter films of a tired, unoriginal director') [new zero derivation; formed from 'cookie-cutter, n.'] |
| coot |
| context and source: "My orthodontists is a crazy old coot." - Suitemate Mark Mendenhall 11-15-03 |
| composed of: 'coot' |
| apparent meaning: elderly person, geezer. |
| type of word formation: unknown, but it is Southern in origin. |
| reason used: 'coot' not only denotes an elderly person but its connotation often implies that subject is rather loony. |
dictionary entry: coot; N.
an older person who tends to be rather silly or crazy. |
| corpsicle |
| context and source: "Freeze. Wait. Reanimate. It sounds good in theory, but you're still a corpsicle." -Scientific American article by Michael Shermer, Oct. 2003 issue |
| composed of: corpse (dead body) + popsicle |
| apparent meaning: A body frozen for the purpose of reanimation at a later date. |
| type of word formation: Blending |
| reason used: Corpsicle is a cute and humorous neologism formed by blending "corpse" with "popsicle." The apparent dichotomy between a very somber word such as corpse and a "happy" word like popsicle may contribute to the appeal of this word. The blend is facilitated by the common "ps" sound at the end of corpse and in the middle of popsicle; the two words are simply joined together at that sound. |
dictionary entry: Corpsicle, n.
Slang term for a cryogenically frozen body [new formation, fr. "corpse" + "popsicle"] |
| Cosmeceutical |
| context and source: Used in an Oct. 8, 2003 Houston Chronicle article to describe an industry that is merging cosmetics and medical science |
| composed of: cosmetics + pharmaceutical |
| apparent meaning: skin-care products that can both conceal and heal |
| type of word formation: blend |
| reason used: The new industry does not have a true scientific name, however the public can figure out what it does by blending the names of two long-standing industries. |
dictionary entry: Cosmeceutical, adj.
Industry that is combining the beauty aspects of the cosmetics industry with the healing benefits of the pharmaceutical industry. (My new cosmeceutical cream hides and cures my wrinkles!) [new blend; formed from 'cosmetics' + 'pharmaceutical'] |
| COTU |
| context and source: "My daddy calls me COTU" (a college student 9/04/03) |
| composed of: |
| apparent meaning: COTU stands for 'center of the universe", implying someone who is selfish and think that everything and everyone does and should revolver around him/her |
| type of word formation: acronym |
| reason used: the father of the girl probably made up this acronym because it fit! |
dictionary entry: COTU, n.
Center Of The Universe ('what you did was very COTU-like') - center of the universeO [An acronym] |
| courseware |
| context and source: "The real hope is that we start seeing many open courseware programs, with the net result of there being a critical mass of knowledge online for people everywhere." ("MIT for Free, virtually" http://www.msnbc.com/news/973917.asp?0si=- 9/30/03) |
| composed of: 'course' (units of instruction in a subject) and 'software' (the programs and routines for a computer) |
| apparent meaning: computer programs that teach a certain subject to the user |
| type of word formation: blend |
| reason used: The person being quoted in the article needed a word that would convey the meaning of a software program that could teach a course. The blend of course and software was then used. |
dictionary entry: courseware, n.
educational software used to teach a subject or course ('open courseware programs') [new blend; formed from 'course' + 'software'] |
| Cox box |
| context and source: "Where is the cox box?" (conversation with Baker senior Sep 2003) |
| composed of: 'coxswain' (person who steers and directs rowers of a racing shell) + 'box' (solid rectangular container) |
| apparent meaning: used in crew (i.e. rowing club), microphone and speaker used by coxswain to communicate with rowers while in the boat |
| type of word formation: clipping ('coxswain' to 'cox') and compound of 'cox' + 'box' |
| reason used: This rhyming compound is composed of two words. The first, 'cox,' is an often used clipping of 'coxswain,' so it was not specifically clipped for this compound. However, the choice of 'box' is slightly more random, for the item itself is not contained in a box. However, the battery pack to which the microphone and speakers attach is rather box-shaped, so the choice of 'box' is somewhat justified. I believe, however, that the word 'box' was chosen more to create a rhyming compound, which is often more memorable than a non-rhyming compound, with 'cox' than for any particular merit of its own. And 'cox' was chosen for the compound instead of 'coxswain' because it was easier to find a word that rhymed with 'cox.' |
dictionary entry: Cox box, n.
used in crew; microphone and speaker used by coxswain to communicate with rowers while all are in a racing shell ('have you seen the cox box?') [clipping of 'coxswain' to 'cox' and compound of 'cox' + 'box'] |
| craction |
| context and source: My roommate was checking out her outfit to make sure certain things were not showing, but since she was wearing low-rise jeans and is not a waif, they were a little too low in the back. She then stated that she couldn't wear the pants because of all the craction. |
| apparent meaning: the appearance of someone's 'crack' or any part of someone's behind. |
| type of word formation: blending |
| reason used: We often put action at the end of phrases, and for the sake of pronunciation, she just put two words together: crack + action. |
| dictionary entry: craction - n. - the appearance of someone's behind, usually unintentional. That's a little bit too much craction going on back there, so pull your pants up. |
| CRAPTACULAR |
| context and source: "That movie so had the most craptacular ending ever!" - Conversation in Hanszen College, 21 Oct 2003. |
| composed of: CRAP + TACULAR [SPECTACULAR] |
| type of word formation: blend |
| reason used: This blend combines a functional word, SPECTACULAR, with a swear word, CRAP, that reinforces group membership (college students) and negates the positive connotations of SPECTACULAR. |
dictionary entry: CRAPTACULAR, adj.
Horrible, awful, or otherwise bad in a particularly noticeable manner. |
| craptacular |
adj.
Reading a friend's online journal 11/17/03. He was discussing his day…"so I run 3 miles around the loop. After doing that in a disgustingly craptacular time, I run another half mile to Chipotle…"
Craptacular seems to be a spin-off of 'spectacular' which suggests a display of something grand and impressive. The subject was obviously having a dismal "crappy" day, the antithesis of spectacular, hence 'craptacular'.
This word is a cut-and-pasting of the slang term 'crap': just replace 'spec' with 'crap' and it becomes craptacular. It is a blend, of sorts.
There is a very ironic, satiric connotation that comes with 'craptacular' as if the speaker/writer was annoyed at the lack of positive output but not seriously ill-affected. It sounds like a very improvisational word, as if the inventor wrote it out on the spot in part of a stream of consciousness, not even thinking that they had formed a new word.
craptacular, adj.
Annoyingly bad, unpleasant. [slang. crap + spectacular] |
| Creative-cat |
| context and source: 'You are a creative-cat' (Cranium board game, 2001) |
| apparent meaning: Someone who is imaginative and comes up with unique ideas for writing, speaking, drawing, and behaving. |
| type of word formation: Compound (A-N) |
| reason used: The word is used to distinguish someone and their unique abilities or characteristics. Each word in the compound starts with the same sound and so pairing them together gives a sense of sound symbolism. |
| dictionary entry: creative-cat, n. A person who thinks abstractly and is able to formulate unique ways to express words and actions. |
| creature-feature |
| context and source: "...a high-camp creature-feature that, astoundingly, is also a bittersweet rumination on aging." - New York Post movie review (for Bubba Ho-tep) by Megan Lehmann, late Nov. |
| composed of: creature + feature (movie) |
| apparent meaning: A movie featuring a monster, or some other type of strange being |
| type of word formation: rhyming compound |
| reason used: This is a catchy word that fits well in attention-grabbing spaces, such as movies reviews in papers such as the Post. It seems boring to say "monster movie" or, worse yet, "horror film," so a new, rhyming term was invented. Furthermore, it is very easy to discern what the word means. Even though "feature" is a somewhat archaic term for a movie, almost everyone knows what it means. It compounds extremely well with "creature" because both syllables in the two words are similar or identical. |
dictionary entry: Creature-feature, n.
A movie that includes a monster or similar "scary" entity |
| CREEP OUT |
| context and source: "Get him away from me; he's creeping me out!" - Conversation at party in Jackson, Mississippi, 28 Nov 2003 |
| composed of: CREEP + OUT |
| type of word formation: compound |
| reason used: It is a similar composition to FREAK OUT; the first word has a negative connotation of strangeness (and can be applied as a noun to dislikable persons), and the out makes it a verb. The verb actually is a generic word for any actions that one person might do to scare or disturb another person. |
dictionary entry: CREEP OUT, v.
To disturb, scare, or bother in a shocking way. |
| Crib |
"I'm about to go to my crib."
I first saw this in title of MTV show: "MTV Cribs."
Definition - place of residence, house, apartment, etc. |
| Crossed |
"That guy with the ball just crossed him."
Conversation at the gym - 11/06/03
Definition - act of having someone perform the "cross-over" move on you. If someone does this, they have "crossed" you. |
| Crotch-grab |
| context and source: Context and source: "? the infamous crotch-grab in "Black or White" |
| apparent meaning: a dance move involving the grabbing of ones crotchital region |
| type of word formation: compound word formation |
| reason used: a more succinct and eye grabbing noun |
| dictionary entry: Crotch-grab, n. a dance move involving the grabbing of ones own crotch conspicuously [compounding: from crotch + grab] |
| Crowning |
| context and source: "Officials were particularly concerned about crowning, in which flames leap from one treetop to another, leaving firefighters on the ground all but powerless to stop them." (MSNBC.com, 10/28/03) |
| composed of: 'crown' (the highest point or summit, also the upper part of a tree, including the branches and leaves) + '-ing' (V, A, N, present participle) |
| apparent meaning: the leaping of flames from one treetop to another, as with the spread of forest fires |
| type of word formation: compound |
| reason used: The word 'crown' had already been used in reference to the higher parts of trees, so someone, apparently knowledgeable in the world of firefighting, created a new word for an event that previously had no single label. Because forest fires tend to leap from treetop to treetop, making them very difficult to contain, this disastrous occurrence needed a name, and because there was the existing word 'crown,' the addition of the present participle morpheme '-ing' resulted in the formation of the new word. |
dictionary entry: crowning, n.
The leaping of flames from one treetop to another, as with the spread of forest fires. ('the uncontrollable crowning spread the forest fire across the river') [new compound; formed from 'crown' + '-ing'] |
| Cruise |
| context and source: "Laundromats make for a great place to cruise." Brown RA conversation late Nov. 2003 |
| apparent meaning: To look for people of the opposite sex to engage in conversation. To go on a flirting safari. Probably taken by metaphor from cruise, to move slowly, to shop to get extended to shopping for people of the opposite sex to mate with. |
| type of word formation: metaphor |
| reason used: Speaker wanted to invoke something smooth and suave way of hitting on people of the opposite sex while not seeming too aggressive. |
| dictionary entry: Cruise, v. to go flirting casually [metaphor from cruise to move in a somewhat slow manner and look for things] |
| 'cruits |
| context and source: 'They're bringing the 'cruits in' (Sports website, 9/23/03) |
| apparent meaning: A group of people, usually newcomers. Derived from the plural noun 'recruits', meaning people that are being scouted to serve or perform specific actions. The 're' was simply dropped from the word. |
| type of word formation: Clipping |
| reason used: A shorter version of the plural noun 'recruits', possibly used to emphasize a novice skill level. |
| dictionary entry: 'cruits, pl.n. A group of people that are being sought out to join a team or organization. |
| Crunk |
(ADJ)
A mixture between two states of being: crazy and drunk.
Heard from a Hanszen senior male during September, 2003.
A blend of crazy + drunk.
Ex: "Are you gonna get crunk tonight? There's a big party at Martel. There's gonna be some good music and four kegs." |
| crunk |
| context and source: "The party's going to be crunk and caliente" (a party advertisement on a flyer 11/30/03) |
| composed of: |
| apparent meaning: in this context, the word 'crunk' means cool, awesome. The party here is for Hispanic and black people, hence the 2 words used in the sentence. |
| type of word formation: derivation unknown, but most often encountered in African American circles |
| reason used: to appeal to the specific ethnic population that would benefit most from attending the party. |
dictionary entry: Crunk, adj.
Cool, awesome, appealing in all respects, worthy of attention ('what a crunk place') [derivation unknown] |
| Crunk |
| context and source: "Let's get it crunk, we gon' have fun up on it?" (Mary J Blige, "Family Affair") |
| apparent meaning: crazy, wild |
| type of word formation: slang |
| reason used: This word has no obvious connection to other words of similar structure and meaning. It is probably a word made to sound like something fun and chaotic. |
| dictionary entry: Crunk adj. Crazy, chaotic, describing a situation involving many people |
| cyber-grounded |
| context and source: "A chastened Johnny was cyber-grounded for two weeks: no email, no Instant Messages, no surfing, no online access at all." -Delta Sky Magazine, November issue |
| composed of: "cyber" (relating to computers or the Internet) + "grounded" (slang for confined to one's room or denied freedom of actions) |
| apparent meaning: Having no access at all to the Internet |
| type of word formation: compound |
| reason used: The area of computing is a constant source of new words, and this a prime example. Many parents use a denial of a favored activity as a punishment, and in the modern world the use of the computer is the primary entertainment for many youngsters. In the past, being "grounded" meant being unable to leave the house or play outside; now, it is necessary to use the prefix "cyber" to convey the idea that the child is unable to use the computer. This word seems very likely to come into mainstream usage, if it has not already done so. |
dictionary entry: Cyber-grounded, adj.
Describing the condition of being barred from accessing the Internet or using a computer for entertainment purposes; applies especially to children |
| Cyberrhea |
| n. a connection problem in the computer network. This word is probably formed by an analogy with "diarrhea", which refers to a problem in the intestine. The morpheme "cyber" means "computer or computer network". Context and source: In a conversation with my sister on 10/25/2003. |
[Top]
| damnitology |
n.
Online conversation with a friend 9/03. ?."I have so much work and damnitology to do?"
A silly word for work that is particularly frustrating and exasperating. Trying to evoke a scientific feel with the addition of 'logy' (study) onto the familiar expletive 'damnit'. There is a bit of satire as well, as real sciences such as biology and physiology can turn into 'damnitology' if the speaker/writer is especially wearisome of the situation.
This is primarily a blend of 'damnit' (slang used to express frustration to self or at something) and 'logy' which is the suffix meaning 'study' on all sciences.
This is another word that strikes me as being more useful in writing than in speech. It sounds slightly awkward and can be used to a real 'shock' effect, since the derivative, 'damnit' is usually seen/heard in a taboo setting.
damnitology,
The study of frustration, exasperation. [slang 'damnit' + logy] |
| Datahead |
| context and source: 'That guy is a datahead' (Conversation about a classmate, May, 2003) |
| apparent meaning: Someone who retains a lot of information and is capable of recalling that information at any time. The word might carry a connotation of being smart or even nerdy. Data 'information' + head 'body part'. |
| type of word formation: Compound (N-N) |
| reason used: The compound is a way to classify someone intellectually and describe the quality of his or her knowledge. |
| dictionary entry: datahead, n. A person full of knowledge, usu. a nerd or over-achieving student. |
| dawg |
"Meet Jose, he's my dawg."
Conversation 11/18/03
Definition - buddy, pal, etc. |
| Dealio |
| context and source: 'What's the dealio' (Teen People, October 2003 issue) |
| apparent meaning: A casual situation or scenario usually involving an agreement between parties. The '-io' ending, which has no inherited meaning was added to the noun 'deal', making the new word cute and fun. |
| type of word formation: Derivation |
| reason used: The speaker was seeking a way to be informed about something. Perhaps the '-io' is a new diminutive ending, meaning in this word a small event or short scenario. |
| dictionary entry: dealio, n. A situation, plan, or happenings. |
| deep on-campus |
| context and source: As opposed to the common Rice term 'deep off-campus' or 'deep OC,' I feel that there are people who are deep on campus as well. |
| apparent meaning: incredibly involved in activities on campus, and oblivious to what is beyond the hedges. |
| type of word formation: compounding |
| reason used: I couldn't use the term 'deep OC' to refer to this concept because deep off-campus already owns it. But I wanted to convey the same concept, just in opposite spheres. |
| dictionary entry: deep on-campus - adj. - describes a person who is overly involved with on-campus events to the point that they almost never go off-campus. College presidents and pre-meds are usually very deep on-campus. |
| Delio |
| context and source: What's the delio?" (Michelle Polintan, November 20th, 2003) |
| composed of: deal x yo + i (filler between del and o) |
| apparent meaning: What is currently happening, or an explanation of what is occurring. |
| type of word formation: Blend (deal & yo) A filler 'i' is added and the 'a' from deal is deleted from the original word |
| reason used: In this case, the speaker involved the phrase "What's the deal, yo?" This phrase basically means "What's going on?" As the phrase became more widespread, users began to shorten the length of the last two words. Eventually, either through the speed of speech or simply the desire to compile two words into one, the 'deal, yo' blended to from the neologism 'delio.' Thus through blend word formation, another word was coined by the speakers of the English language. |
dictionary entry: Delio
n. An event, situation, occurrence that is currently happening or has just taken place. [Blend compound formed from the words deal and yo] |
| defenged |
| context and source: "You've defenged it" (overheard in a conversation about a tarp being painted with friend 10/8/03) |
| composed of: formed from 'de-' (in reverse, away, down) + 'feng shui' (The Chinese practice of positioning objects based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects) + '-ed' (past tense) |
| apparent meaning: the positive effects from the painted tarp were gone |
| type of word formation: clipping and derivation |
| reason used: The speaker was discussing the feng shui of the tarp being painted at MOB rehearsal with friends. When someone stepped on the wet tarp, the speaker wanted to express how all good energy from the tarp had been lost. The morpheme 'de-' was added to the clipping of feng shui along with the past tense morpheme '-ed' to get defenged. |
dictionary entry: defenged v.
past tense. the driving away of positive energy or effects of an object [new clipping/derivation; formed from 'de-' + 'feng shui' + '-ed'] |
| derivitate |
| context and source: "How do we derivitate this problem?" -roommate, working on math homework 11/16 |
| composed of: "derivative" (calculus property) and "-ate" (verb suffix) |
| apparent meaning: a synonym for "differentiate" (a process in calculus) |
| type of word formation: Analogy/Affixation |
| reason used: This word is simply a synonym for "differentiate," an oft-used process in calculus. The noun used to describe the result of differentiation is the "derivative," so a natural process is to create the word "derivitate" to describe the process. This is analogous to other word pairs that add the suffix "-ate" to a noun or adjective to form a verb. |
dictionary entry: Derivate, v.
In calculus, to perform processes that yield the derivative of a function; differentiate
[fr. "de" (out of) + "rivus" (stream) + "ate"] |
| DERIVATIZE |
| context and source: "When you derivatize f(x)=x, you get df/dx=1." Conversation; 10/29/03. |
| apparent meaning: Derivatize means to take the derivative of a function, as in calculus. The term was coined to be easier than the more correct and accepted term, differentiate, which is harder to come up with quickly. This word has a more natural feel, as it is formed in a more native way using the verb forming suffix "-ize." Differentiate is more difficult to produce quickly because the stem part of the word changes radically. |
| type of word formation: back formation, from derivative to differentiate back to derivatize |
| dictionary entry: derivatize [derivat- + izeV] Verb. To differentiate a function. |
| desi |
| context and source: "The desi population at Rice isn't too high" (conversation, 9/17/03) |
| apparent meaning: people of Indian or Pakistani origin |
| type of word formation: zero derivation |
| reason used: The speaker (a person of Indian origin) wanted a word to refer to people from the Indian subcontinent. She used this word from Hindi directly. This word is now used quite commonly. |
dictionary entry: desi, n.
A person of Indian or Pakistani origin ('He is a desi') [zero derivation: 'desi', orig. from Hindi, meaning native] |
| DETRAY |
| context and source: "Joe, detray and we can fit you in." - Conversation in Hanszen Commons, 26 Oct 2003. |
| composed of: DE- + TRAY |
| type of word formation: derivation and zero derivation |
| reason used: This was a spontaneous creation at lunch; someone coined it as a fast way of saying "Get rid of the tray," first by changing TRAY from a noun to a verb and then by negating the action with DE-, a common prefix for verbs of removal. |
dictionary entry: DETRAY, v.
To remove a tray from one's personal space. |
| Digicam |
| context and source: Many ads for sales the day after Thanksgiving (Nov. 2003) featured specials on digicams |
| composed of: digital camera |
| apparent meaning: Digital Camera |
| type of word formation: blend |
| reason used: Digital Camera is a rather long word to say, so the two words were clipped and then blended together. |
dictionary entry: Digicam, n.
A digital camera. (This digicam has so much memory!) [blend, formed from 'digital' + 'camera'] |
| Digititis |
| context and source: 'Are you suffering from digititis?' Question posed by a narrator of a television commercial. (10/17/03). |
| apparent meaning: A medical condition of the hands, similar to arthritis. Digit 'finger' + -itis 'inflammation'. |
| type of word formation: Blend |
| reason used: The speaker wanted to convey a condition with which people were familiar but at the same time use a new word to make his or her promotion sound modern and on the cutting edge. |
| dictionary entry: digititis, n. A condition in which the joints on fingers are enlarged. |
| Dizzle |
| context and source: The University of Iowa had nicknamed VP for student services 'dizzle' in order to make student/administrator interactions more fun. They changed the name when students said it was slang for an alcoholic redneck. (Omaha World Herald Nov. 17, 2003) |
| composed of: Possibly based off of drizzle |
| apparent meaning: an alcoholic redneck |
| type of word formation: slang |
| reason used: The administrators were trying to catch onto the hip hop "izzle" craze, but failed. |
dictionary entry: Dizzle, n.
An alcoholic redneck. (Man, he's such a dizzle; he just sits on the front porch and drinks all day) [slang, formation unknown] |
| DL |
| context and source: Keep it on the DL." (Megan Kanagy, November 8th, 2003) |
| composed of: 'D' (down ) + 'L' (low) |
| apparent meaning: Keep it quiet or under wraps. Do not openly reveal or publicize. |
| type of word formation: Acronym (Down Low) |
| reason used: This originally began as keeping something down low, in other words keeping something real quiet or secret. It was a metaphorical use in which the information is kept where it isn't "visible" to everyone and only a select few are aware of it. Later, this became shortened to the acronym, or abbreviation, DL from down low. |
dictionary entry: D.L.
v. To keep information limited to only a certain few people who need know. [Acronym that stands for down low] |
| DL |
| context and source: On someone's AIM profile, there is a DL of the day section that says which song she downloaded and is now listening to. |
| apparent meaning: the abbreviation of download. |
| type of word formation: abbreviation |
| reason used: With the word 'download' becoming more and more taboo, people are inventing ways to speak of this practice that does not offend people. It's also easier to say DL, which is great for someone who downloads a lot of music and likes to talk to people about it. |
| dictionary entry: DL - n. - abbrev. of download, a song that was obtained by downloading from one's computer. It takes FOREVER to find DL's from The Breakfast Club soundtrack. |
| dollarization |
| context and source: "Increased trade with the US will result in dollarization of the Indian economy" (interview with a business analyst, Star News, 8/14/03) |
| composed of: 'dollar' + -'ize' V. + -'ate' V. + -'ion' - dollarization |
| apparent meaning: there will be more transactions in US dollars in the Indian economy |
| type of word formation: derivation (affixation) |
| reason used: The speaker wanted to convey that there will be a greater presence of US currency in the Indian economy. |
dictionary entry: dollarization, n.
Increased transactions with the US, resulting in greater presence of American money in an economy ('dollarization of an economy') [derivation: 'dollar' + -'ize' V. + -'ate' V. + -'ion'] |
| DOWN LOW |
| context and source: "Keep it on the down low, ok?" Conversation; 11/16/03. |
| apparent meaning: When someone tells you to keep a fact on the "down low," they are asking you to keep it secret. This makes sense, as something down low is hidden or not apparent on the surface. This term was coined to allow for a more hip way of asking someone to keep a secret. |
| type of word formation: metaphor, as something concrete can be down low or hidden, something abstract can be secret |
| dictionary entry: down low [metaphor of "down low" as in placement] Noun. Secret. |
| drinkathon |
Reading the British tabloids online: http://media.guardian.co.uk/diary/ 12/03. "Drama at the British Society of Magazine Editors awards drinkathon, sorry, ceremony this week?"
"Drinkathon" seems to be a large social gathering that is basically an excuse to drink excessive alcohol. 'Drink' refers to alcohol, the suffix '-athon' refers to some sort of race or drawn-out activity, presumably from 'marathon', from which many nouns have been coined. It is very easy to take any verb and slap '-athon' on the end to turn it into a word that denotes an activity that lasts a very long time.
This word is a blend of 'drink' (to drink alcohol) and 'marathon' (activity that lasts a long time).
This word was obviously coined in jest, to make fun of people who party under the pretense of official business. The British are funny very funny, inventive writers, not afraid to coin new words or modify existing ones to suit the situation.
drinkathon, n.
An extended party or event involving the consumption of alcohol. [drink + marathon] |
| Druggy |
| adj. relating to drugs. Zero derivation from the noun "druggy". This derivation is sensible as many adjectives bear the suffix -y (meaning "rich in/ full of"), e.g. sexy, rosy and crazy. Another possible way of forming the word is by analogy-"rose" --> "rosy", "drug" --> "druggy". Context and source: "High school students are attracted to druggy and sexy things." |
| Dudely |
| context and source: "That's dudely." (Conversation with friend, 11/11/03) |
| composed of: 'dude' (man, fellow, multipurpose interjection) + '-ly' (like, resembling) |
| apparent meaning: excellent, nifty, groovy, cool |
| type of word formation: compound |
| reason used: Originally, the word 'dude' referred to an American city slicker who vacationed out West. It was later popularly used in reference to people, originally males, who were somehow "cool." The female version of the word was 'dudette.' Now, the word 'dude' seems to appear most often as an interjection with a wide range of uses. It can convey approval, congratulation, or even a salutation. If 'dude' is taken to mean 'someone or something that is cool (in the modern, slangy sense),' the addition of the adjectival morpheme '-ly' would give 'dudely' a meaning like 'resembling someone or something that is cool,' which can be shortened simply to 'cool.' |
dictionary entry: dudely, adj.
Excellent, nifty, groovy, cool. ('a dudely gadget') [new compound; formed from 'dude' + '-ly'] |
|