Neologisms

These are neologisms collected by an undergraduate linguistics class at Rice University during the fall of 2003.

E [Top]

E-linquent
context and source: "Juvenile e-linquents: could they be yours'" -Delta Sky Magazine, November issue
composed of: "E-" (prefix denoting a relation to the world of technology and computing) + delinquent (one with a tendency to commit crimes)
apparent meaning: one who makes trouble or misbehaves online or on the Internet
type of word formation: Blending
reason used: "E-linquent" is a rather clever term for computer users, usually youngsters, who use today's technology (especially the Internet) to commit crimes or create trouble. Like the previous word, "e-linquent" is a modernization of an older word, delinquent. The prefix "E-" connotes something that is modern; blending it with "delinquent" evokes images of a technology-savvy troublemaker. This word is especially well-formed because the long e sound is present in both delinquent and e-linquent; therefore, it is easy to form the latter word through blending.
dictionary entry: E-linquent, n.
One who utilizes technology to commit crimes or make mischief; applies especially to young people [modernization of "delinquent"].

e-pal
n. a friend which communicates with one by e-mails. This is probably formed by analogizing with the word "pen-pal", which refers to a friend that keeps in contact with another person using letters (pens). Or it may be formed by concatenating the letter "e", which now commonly stands for "electronic" (by acronym) and "pal", which means "friend". Context and source: In a conversation with my sister on 11/15/2003

e-voting
context and source: "Diebold drops e-voting lawsuit" (read on msnbc.com on 12/1/03)
composed of: 'electronic' (implemented on a computer) + 'voting' (a way a preference is made known)
apparent meaning: voting that is done online
type of word formation: blend
reason used: The article was about voting online electronically. The author needed a catchy title so people would read the article. Saying electronic voting in the article title would be too long so a shortening was used.
dictionary entry: e-voting n.
online voting ('drops e-voting lawsuit') [new blend; formed from 'electronic' + 'voting']

Earworm
context and source: "Everybody has known what it feels like to have an earworm." (Host of Total Request Live, MTV, October 5th, 2003)
composed of: Ear(n) x Worm(n)
apparent meaning: A song that won't go away, and gets stuck in your head.
type of word formation: Simple noun-noun compounding, concatenation. (ear & worm), Metaphor
reason used: This is a creative metaphorical compound neologism. The word allows the speaker to provide an image to supplement the definition of the new word. Imagine a worm crawling through one's ear into the very depths of your mind. Not only that, but it seems like there is no way to get it out. This feeling is precisely what one experiences when a song gets "stuck" in one's head. The tune or lyrics continue to bombard your thoughts and often you to actually sing or hum the song to release it in some form. The song therefore becomes this earworm that usually doesn't leave one's mind easily or quickly.
dictionary entry: Earworm
n. A song (the tune/lyrics) that repeats over and over inside a person's head, usually refers to after the song has stopped playing. [Compounding of ear & worm]

Earworm
context and source: Earworm was used on a show on MTV in October, 2003 in order to describe a song that is "stuck in your head."
composed of: Ear (body part) + worm (object that crawls and gets stuck places)
apparent meaning: song that is constantly replaying in your head
type of word formation: blend
reason used: There is no concise word to describe the idea that a song is stuck in your head, and an earworm implies that something is caught in your ear and can't get out, therefore carrying a close meaning with it.
dictionary entry: Earworm, n.
A song stuck in your head (That song is so catchy it's an earworm.) [new blend; formed from 'ear' + 'worm']

ear worm
context and source: Cosmopolitan used this term to describe a song that gets stuck in your head, and rated the 5 most common ones.
apparent meaning: song that gets stuck in one's head easily
type of word formation: sensory compounding
reason used: Worms and these songs are related in that they are insignificant but highly undesirable things, and since everyone is familiar with a song that gets stuck in your head, it made sense to have a shorter phrase to describe it. That happens with words that are quite common. If this catches on, I wouldn't be surprised if it became earworm in a few months.
dictionary entry: ear worm - n. - a song or any catchy sample of audio that repeats itself in someone's mind. Britney Spears has put out entire albums of ear worms like no other artist.

Edress
context and source: What's your edress'" (Andy Johnson, November 23rd, 2003)
composed of: Email x Address
apparent meaning: Referring to someone's e-mail address.
type of word formation: Blend (email & address)
reason used: This coinage occurred for a common reason. In searching for a quicker or easier way to ask for someone's email address, the speaker blended both words. Edress is yet another example of the formation of a word for the purpose of shortening and simplifying the original word.
dictionary entry: Edress
n. An e-mail address [Blend compound formed from the word email and address]

edutainment
context and source: "If he gets on the computer he can only play edutainment games." (read on online comic 11/20/03)
composed of: 'education' (the knowledge obtained by a learning process) + 'entertainment' (something that amuses or pleases)
apparent meaning: a game (software) that can provide entertainment while teaching a child.
type of word formation: blend
reason used: The character in the comic was dropping her sun off at the babysitter and didn't want her son playing mindless computer games. She wanted a way to describe an educational computer game, so she used a blend of education and entertainment.
dictionary entry: edutainment n.
software that entertains while teaching information to the user ('edutainment games') [new blend; formed from 'education' + 'entertainment']

Egosurf
context and source: "I can't believe he's so conceited. He actually egosurfed!" (conversation with Lovett freshmen 26 Aug 2003)
composed of: 'ego' (self-esteem) + 'surf' (to search the internet for something of interest)
apparent meaning: to look oneself up on an internet search engine, usually for a boost of self-esteem
type of word formation: compound of 'ego' + 'surf'
reason used: 'Surfing' is a common way of talking about searching the internet. The 'ego' is the self or self-esteem. So egosurfing has a dual meaning-both searching the internet for mentions yourself and searching the internet for mentions of yourself to improve your self-esteem. With the ever increasing popularity of the internet and improvement of search engines, people have been able to look up ever more narrow subjects-themselves included. So 'egosurfing' was coined to describe this phenomenon.
dictionary entry: Egosurf, v.
to look oneself up on the internet using an internet search engine, esp. to improve one's self-esteem ('only conceited people egosurf') [compound of 'ego'+ 'surf']

Elliptical
context and source: "If you can't come [to practice] the best thing you can do is work on your cardiovascular fitness. This is (sic) means running, swimming, ellipticalling, etc. for at least 30 minutes." (e-mail from crew coach 14 Sep 2003)
composed of: 'elliptical trainer' (type of machine designed to increase cardiovascular strength)
apparent meaning: to use the elliptical trainer
type of word formation: clipping ('elliptical trainer' to 'elliptical') and zero derivation ('elliptical', n. to 'to elliptical', v.)
reason used: The elliptical trainer has become a popular method of working out. The author was explaining that those who could not come to practice should work out on their own, and gave examples of possible ways of doing so. The motion made while on the elliptical trainer is not one that can be replicated without the machine, so no verb existed for this motion previously. The author was attempting to find a shorter way of saying 'to use the elliptical trainer' and so zero derived the first part of the name for the machine.
dictionary entry: Elliptical, v.
to use an elliptical trainer ('ellipticalling at the gym') [zero derivation of clipped noun 'elliptical trainer']

Emoticon
context and source: A friend made a new message board and stated that the variety of emoticons available were a positive trait of this kind of board. (Nov. 25, 2003)
composed of: Emotion + icon
apparent meaning: Icons that show feelings
type of word formation: blend
reason used: While the smiley face icon came first, it was followed soon thereafter by a host of different kind of faces with different emotions. Emoticon blends the two words nicely and it has definitely caught on.
dictionary entry: Emoticon, n.
Computer icon of a face with an obvious emotion. (I love her giddy emoticon.) [new blend; formed from 'emotion' + 'icon']

Engineerize
v. to make a person more like an engineer student (of Hong Kong universities), which has stereotypes of being lazy and mischievous. Derivation of verb from a noun "engineer" by adding the verb-forming suffix "-ize" meaning "become like". It may also be formed by an analogy with words like "Americanize". Context and source: "I have successfully engineerized Peter."

ENSORCERIZING
context and source: "The mobile's disks' replaced for me the ensorcerizing waving of tree leaves." - Annie Dillard, An American Childhood.
composed of: EN- + SORCER [SORCERY] + -IZ [-IZE] + -ING
type of word formation: derivation
reason used: The affixes on this word mimic its synonyms; "enchanting" and "bewitching" have the progressive particle suffix and a prefix. However, to fit this pattern, Dillard first had to add the -IZE verb suffix, then she could add the other affixes.
dictionary entry: ENSORCERIZING, adj.
Enchanting or bewitching in a hypnotic or otherwise captivating way.

equipmental
context and source: "Possible sources of error for this experiment include equipmental errors'"
composed of: equipment + "-al" (adjective suffix)
apparent meaning: to do with equipment used in an experiment
type of word formation: Analogy/affixation
reason used: Equipmental was simply formed by adding an adjective suffix to an entire noun. It appears to have been used in an attempt to sound "more scientific" by using a longer word. The word takes the place of several shorter words that would have been necessary, such as "caused by the equipment." The word is analogous to other words formed by adding "al" to a noun, such as "developmental."
dictionary entry: Equipmental, adj.
Of or having to do with equipment, especially scientific equipment or apparatuses.

Espy
"Stay tuned for the Espy Awards, next."
Name of a series of annual sports awards, given by members of the media
As the network ESPN hosts and created the awards, the name of the award became "Espy" by dropping the N and adding the Y to ESPN.

ETEXT
context and source: "We want people to be able to look up quotations they heard in conversation, movies, music, other books, easily with a library containing all these quotations in an easy to find etext format." - "Project Gutenberg Official Home Site - History and Philosophy." Online at < http://www.promo.net/pg/history.html >. Last updated 13 May 2002.
composed of: E- [ELECTRONIC] + TEXT
type of word formation: abbreviation
reason used: Although no dictionaries carry the word, it was probably coined in 1971 with the advent of online republication of great works; the abbreviation itself is patterned on EMAIL.
dictionary entry: ETEXT, n.
A literary or reference work converted into a text-based file on the Internet, usu. downloadable, searchable, and made available for free. [also used as adj.]

Euroskeptic
context and source: "' [T]here is little likelihood of a major government initiative to swing a euroskeptic nation behind the euro." (New York Times Online 15 Sep 2003)
composed of: 'euro' (currency for most nations of the European Union) + 'skeptic' (one who doubts a particular thing)
apparent meaning: characterized by being unsure of the benefits of adopting the euro as a form of currency
type of word formation: compound of 'euro' and 'skeptic'
reason used: The author was discussing the likelihood of nations in the European Union who do not currently use the euro (i.e. United Kingdom) of switching to the euro. He was trying to convey the idea that some countries are skeptical of the benefits of the euro, and so compounded 'euro' and 'skeptic.'
dictionary entry: Euroskeptic, adj.
characterized by being skeptical of the benefits of switching to the euro as a form of currency ('euroskeptic nations') [compound of 'euro' + 'skeptic']

exabyte
context and source: "Future computers will be able to store exabytes of information" (conversation with a computer scientist, 10/25/03)
composed of: 'exa'- (10^18) +'byte' (unit of storage of information) - exabyte
apparent meaning: 10^18 bytes
type of word formation: derivation (affixation)
reason used: The speaker wanted to quantify a large number of bytes. A few years, gigabyte wasn't a very common term. Now, due to faster and better computers, gigabyte and gigahertz are common terms. Similarly, I foresee, exabyte and exahertz becoming common terms in the future.
dictionary entry: exabyte, n.
10^18 bytes, or a billion billion bytes ('This hard disk has 1 exabyte storage capacity') [derivation (affixation): 'exa'- + 'byte' - exabyte]

Exonym
n. a name for a group of outsiders. Concatenation of the prefix "ex-" meaning "out" (or "exo-", which means "outside") and "onym" which means "name". Context and source: "And they have all these exonyms for those who are unlike them." (In a conversation with a high school teacher on 10/25/2003)

Extrasolar
context and source: "A parallel question, albeit in less extravagant form, was posed by former NASA administrator, Daniel Goldin, shortly after astronomers detected the first extrasolar planets around normal stars." (SPACE.com, 11/21/03)
composed of: 'extra-' (outside) + 'sol' (sun) + '-ar' (A, of, pertaining to)
apparent meaning: beyond the sun or the solar system
type of word formation: compound
reason used: The morpheme 'extra-' can be used to describe things as being outside or above other things, so attaching it to the word 'solar' (of, pertaining to, or proceeding from the sun) creates a new word meaning 'outside of the sun.' However, in the case of extrasolar planets, the planets must be outside of the solar system, because the nature of planets requires that they not be within any stars. Therefore, this meaning must also be included, but the more general meaning of 'outside of the sun' seems to have some importance, so I have classified the word as a compound without any elements of clipping (from 'solar system' to 'solar').
dictionary entry: extrasolar, adj.
Beyond the sun or the solar system. ('extrasolar planets') [new compound; formed from 'extra-' + 'sol' + '-ar']

F [Top]

Facronym
context and source: "I'm really good at facronyms." (Watching TV show, 10/25/03)
composed of: 'fact' (something demonstrated to exist or to have existed) + 'acronym' (word formed from the initial letters of a name with multiple words) ['ac/acer/acr' (sharp, tip, extremities) + 'onym' (name)]
apparent meaning: an acronym (word formed from the initial letters of a name with multiple words) for a an organization, device, or idea with a specialized function or with a name composed of many polysyllabic words
type of word formation: blend
reason used: For humorous effect, the writer on this television show chose to coin a new word for acronyms whose meanings are unusually sesquipedalian.
dictionary entry: facronym, n.
A word (formed from the initial letters of a name with multiple words) for an organization, device, or idea with a specialized function or with a name composed of many polysyllabic words. ('to be good at facronyms') [new blend; formed from 'fact' + 'acronym']

Falloween
context and source: "Don't get me started on outfits for pets or the move to extend the holiday into an event that runs for a whole season so that it becomes-you'll love this-'Falloween.'" (Time 23 Oct 2003)
composed of: 'fall' (season that runs from mid-September to mid-December) + 'Halloween' (holiday that falls at the end of October)
apparent meaning: time period leading up to and including Halloween which seems to get longer and longer every year, so that fall and Halloween seem synonymous
type of word formation: blend of 'fall' + 'Halloween'
reason used: The author was complaining about the amount of lead-up given to Halloween by certain people, especially in stores. He argued that Halloween-themed items were in stores for the entire first half of fall, instead of just right before the holiday, creating a new season, which he dubbed, somewhat derisively, with a blend of 'fall' and 'Halloween.'
dictionary entry: Falloween, n.
First part of fall, during which items are advertised and sold for the Halloween holiday ('Falloween starts earlier and earlier every year') [blend of 'fall' + 'Halloween']

fangoriously
context and source: "Betty was fangoriously devoured by the gelatinous monster." (In conversation with friend 9/17/03)
composed of: 'fang' (A long, sharp, pointed tooth) + 'gory' (full of violence and bloodshed) + i (filler) + '-ous' (ADJ) + '-y' (N)
apparent meaning: an act that is very graphic or bloody, and involves fangs
type of word formation: blend & derivation
reason used: The speaker wanted to convey the way the fictional character in his story was being devoured by the gelatinous monster. No current words convey his meaning, so he formed a new word using different morphemes.
dictionary entry: fangoriously adv.
in a gory, graphic manor, usually involving fangs in some way. ('fangoriously devoured') [new blend/derivation; formed from 'fang' + 'gory' + '-i' + '-ous' + '-y']

fangoriously
context and source: 'The person was being fangoriously devoured by a gelatinous monster.' (Some guy in Lovett commons, he said he got it from http://www.homestarrunner.com/sbemail84.html week of 11/3, 2003)
composed of: 'fang' (a sharp pointed tooth) X 'gore' (horrible scene or bloodshed) X 'i' X 'ous' (ADJ) X 'ly' (ADV)
apparent meaning: describing a disgusting or horrible act such as being eaten, mauled, etc
type of word formation: blend, and or analogy
reason used: I know what you are thinking: weird word from a weird source, but hear me out. While the source is somewhat questionable, this a great blend of several words and word endings, both adjective and adverb! I think it is a great example of how easily new words can be formed by simply adding suffixes to a word. This word was used to describe someone being eaten by a monster, and it incorporates some fang imagery. Also, you could think of the word as 'furiously gnashing of teeth.' I have also heard the word 'fangoria' used by people to describe weird or creepy things associated with horror, i.e. Fangoria magazine.
dictionary entry: fangoriously, adv.
Describing the furious gnashing of teeth, fangs, etc ('the lion ate his food rather fangoriously') [new blend or analogy; arising from 'fang' X 'gore' X 'i' X 'ous' X 'ly' ]

Fave
context and source: "Out of all the characters, Aragorn's my fave." (K.T.Weber, October 2nd, 2003)
composed of: 'fav' (from favorite) + 'e' (adj, n)
apparent meaning: Same as favorite, just a clipping or shortening of the word. Used to describe a preferred item, person, place, etc.
type of word formation: Clipping (favorite)
reason used: This is yet another instance in the English language (or any language) of a "slang" word coined from the clipping or shortening of an existing word. The common explanation for these occurrences is that the speaker thought of it as easier to shorten the word rather than say the whole thing. Instead of using a word with three syllables, now the speaker can convey the same meaning in just one. The word was formed from cutting off the 'fav-' from favorite and adding an '-e' ending to complete the formation of the word. Depending on the context of the word, "fave" can either be used as a noun or an adjective.
dictionary entry: Fave
n. A person or thing that is favored above others.
adj. Used to describe that which is favored.
[Clipping of the word favorite]

FEEB
context and source: "That guy who crossed in front of me without looking is such a feeb!" Conversation; 10/25/03.
apparent meaning: Feeb is an insulting term that implies that someone or their actions are stupid. It also implies that the person somehow cannot help how imbecilic they are. This word was coined to imply in one word that someone is hopelessly stupid.
type of word formation: clipping of feeble, as in feeble minded; zero derivation adjective to noun
dictionary entry: feeb [clipping of feeble] Noun. A person who is hopelessly stupid.

fetishization
n.
"Love in the Time of No Time", by Jennifer Egan, in the New York Times magazine, 11/23/03…."Chemistry is a word you hear a lot among online daters; sine quo non of the enterprise and the object of a fair bit of fetishization…"
This word obviously derives from the n. root 'fetish' which has two possible meanings in this context: 1) an object, or idea eliciting strong reverence or devotion, or 2) an object or non-genital part of the body that is repeatedly preferred or exclusively used for achieving sexual excitement. Paired with the noun-forming suffix '-ion', fetishization might refer to the act or process of turning an online love affair into some sort of obsession (sexual or not). Since online relationships between people can be somewhat intangible due to the distance between computers, fetishes perhaps become more common, and easier to acquire because of the impersonality of the Internet.
'Fetishization' implies that there is also a verb 'to fetishize' meaning, to turn something into a fetish, i.e. an obsession, fixation. "Fetishization" is then an affixation, formed by sticking the noun-forming suffix '-ion' onto the verb 'fetishize'.
The article that this word appeared in was about the rising phenomenon of online relationships and their success rates. I think the use of 'fetishizatation' suggests that the "chemistry" felt between online daters is fleeting and unstable, and is not real but dissipates as soon as the computer is turned off, and the reason that the people involved feel any sort of attachment in the first place is through a common diversion, or way to arouse themselves.
fetishization, n.
The act or process of turning something into a fetish, obsession. [fetish + -ize (v) + -ion (n)]

Fishizzle
context and source: "Are you going to NOD'"
"Fishizzle!" (Two Rice students, October 27, 2003).
apparent meaning: absolutely, definitely
type of word formation: sloppy derivation of "for sure"
reason used: This word may have been used to signal one's being "in the know" of up to date teen terminology. It is a sloppy derivation used in informal youth-to-youth conversation.
dictionary entry: Fishizzle adv. An expression meaning 'certainly' or 'definitely' used in informal speech.

FLESHFLAKE
context and source: "A dot appears, a fleshflake." - Annie Dillard, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek
composed of: FLESH + FLAKE
type of word formation: compound
reason used: The compound, in context, should elicit an association with SNOWFLAKE.
dictionary entry: FLESHFLAKE, n.
A small scrap of skin or flesh.

to flip a lid
context and source: "When I saw the grade I got on that test, I flipped a lid!" (a college student describing her reaction 11/30)
apparent meaning: to panic, to freak out, carries specifically negative connotations. The test score was not so pleasing, thus the reaction was that of becoming irritated and upset.
type of word formation: analogy
reason used: in order to correctly express the level of upsetness, a humorous interesting expression is used.
dictionary entry: Flip a lid,v.
To react negatively to a stressor, to get upset and irritated, to freak out ('he flipped a lid when he saw her standing there') [An analogy]

Fly
(ADJ) Someone or something that is extremely hip, sexy, trendy, in style, or awesome.
The word began appearing in pop culture in the late 1990's, especially in the rap community, but recently it has become more main stream.
A zero derivation of the verb form of the word "fly." It most likely emerged as a type of metaphor deriving from the verb "fly" because objects that are extremely new and cool are above everything else, or ahead of everyone else. Hence, they fly by the rest.
Ex: "Sugar, how you get so fly'" lyrics to a hip/hop song by Baby Beesh which debuted in 2003.

Fly
context and source: "That chick in your econ class is so fly." Suitemate Alec Young 11-3-03
composed of: fly
apparent meaning: attractive
type of word formation: zero derivation.
reason used: Instead of using the usual adjective such as attractive or pretty, the speaker used 'fly' to emphasize the beauty of the subject.
dictionary entry:Fly; adj.
incredibly gorgeous or attractive.

FO' SHIZZLE
context and source: "We'll be ready when Kristian returns, which will be at five-thirty at the latest, fo' shizzle." - Conversation in Hanszen College, 25 Nov 2003.
composed of: FO' [FOR] + SHIZZLE [SURE + infix -IZZ-]
type of word formation: derivation
reason used: deleted final R of FOR and the infix -IZZ-, although now used by a larger social segment, originally linked African-American youth and culture.
dictionary entry: FO' SHIZZLE, interj.
Certainly, for sure, of course. [also FO' SHEEZY]

FONDREN
context and source: "He was here a second ago, but now he's out Fondrening." - Conversation in Hanszen College, 23 Nov 2003.
composed of: FONDREN
type of word formation: zero derivation
reason used: This zero derivation exemplifies the younger generations' penchant for verbing words. This particular case is a very localized word, unintelligible beyond the Rice University community.
dictionary entry: FONDREN, v.
To study at the Fondren Library on the Rice University campus.

fooding
context and source: "I am fooding myself." - "away" message from online profile of friend
composed of: "food" + "-ing" (or "food" + "feeding")
apparent meaning: eating or feeding
type of word formation: Blending or Analogy
reason used: In this case, "fooding" appears to have been used as a replacement for "feeding," which seems to be a case of blending. Instead of saying that he was feeding himself, the source of this word said he was fooding himself. This seems to be an attempt to specify exactly how he was feeding himself, i.e. with food. Although it seems logical that food is the normal means of feeding oneself, perhaps the source just wanted to be extra clear. There is another possibility with this word, however. If the object "myself" had not been used after the word, "fooding" could be construed to mean "eating." In this case, the word would have been formed by adding a verb suffix to a noun - similar to the formation of LPAPing.
dictionary entry: Fooding, v.
Intransitive: feeding [new derivation, fr. "food" + "feeding"]
Transitive: eating [new derivation, fr. "food" + "-ing"]

Four-wheel
context and source: "Let's four-wheel this December." Friend from Tennessee Oct. 2003
apparent meaning: to take a four-wheel drive vehicle driving off roads in fields it is probably taken by metonymy from four-wheeler derived and take by clipping from four-wheel drive vehicle
type of word formation: zero derivation and metonymy
reason used: to go off-reading is common for the speaker but he wanted to get across the point that we would be using cars that truly had four-wheel drive.
dictionary entry: Four-wheel, v. to drive a four-wheel drive vehicle in fields usually in such a fashion that a two-wheel drive vehicle would be insufficient [metonymy: from four-wheeler from four-wheel drive vehicle]

FRAG
context and source: How many frags did you have'" Conversation; 10/7/03.
apparent meaning: The word frag is probably a shortening of "fragmentation grenade" and so it can mean this kind of grenade. When used as a noun, as in the example above, it means kills in a video game. When used as a verb, frag means to kill someone's character in a video game in any fashion or with a fragmentation grenade. This term was probably created to replace the more vulgar term "kill" which could upset parents and people who do not play video games.
type of word formation: clipping of fragmentation
dictionary entry: frag [clipping of fragmentation] Noun. A kill, as in a video game. Verb. To kill someone's character in a video game, especially using a fragmentation grenade.

Frankenfish
context and source: Scientists have genetically altered a species of aquarium fish so that they will glow under a black light. (Houston Chronicle, Dec. 2, 2003)
composed of: Frankenstein + fish
apparent meaning: Fish that were genetically engineered by humans.
type of word formation: blend
reason used: The fish are slightly eerie in a sense, both because they are the first genetically engineered household pets and because they are animals that glow. By using part of the word Frankenstein, people understand that the fish were made by a scientist and are perhaps a little scary.
dictionary entry: Frankenfish, n.
Genetically engineered fish that glow. (I hope I get a Frankenfish for Christmas!) [new blend; formed from 'Frankenstein'

Fratastic
context and source: "That keg stand was so fratastic." Suitemate Alec Young
composed of: 'fraternity' + 'fantastic'
apparent meaning: something that was splendidly fraternity-like.
type of word formation: blending
reason used: the speaker was almost poking fun at the foolish revelry that would occur in a college fraternity
dictionary entry: Fratastic: adj.
a word that describes something that would be extremely popular and prevalent in a fraternity.

FREESTYLE
context and source: "After the victory, Apex remains on the stage to freestyle some more rap in what has become a kind of victory lap." - "MC Battles." Online at <http://www.nuvo.net/archive/012501/music/012501_music_a.html>. 25 Jan 2001.
composed of: FREE + STYLE
type of word formation: compound
reason used: This word is somewhat borrowed from athletic terminology used to describe competitions (like swimming and skating) in which almost anything goes and judging is based on artistic expression. The same qualities apply to most rap battles, so the jargon was transferred from one social setting to another.
dictionary entry: FREESTYLE, v.
To perform rap music without prepared beats or lyrics, to perform impromptu rap; to engage in a rap competition in the above manner. [also used as n., adj.]

fro-yo
context and source: Cosmopolitan used this term instead of frozen yogurt.
apparent meaning: the abbreviation of frozen yogurt, the typical alternative to ice cream.
type of word formation: clipping, slang
reason used: Cosmo was referring to frozen yogurt as a hip, metropolitan thing to consume, and the abbreviation made the term fit the imposed classification better.
dictionary entry: fro-yo - n. - abbrev. for frozen yogurt, slang term for low calorie dessert item that is most like ice cream. The best place to get fro-yo in Atlanta is TCBY.

Funtastic
adj. being fun and fastastic. Blending of the words "fun" and "fantastic". Context and source: "The funtastic magic ball is made of '." (In an advertisement of a toy product)

G [Top]

Gank
context and source: 'Stop ganking the weights from the Sid fitness room.' (Sid Council Minutes, Week of November 3rd, 2003)
apparent meaning:Used in the same context as stealing, or taking. The action of taking something which does not belong to you.
type of word formation: Compound (yank & grab)
dictionary entry:Gank v. To take and carry away the property of another without authorization. ('do not gank the silverware') [Blend compound formed from the words grab and yank]

gank
context and source:'I accidentally my CD case at the party, and somebody ganked them.' ' heard something to this effect from my friends this summer. I also use this word commonly.
apparent meaning:to take or steal something
type of word formation:slang
dictionary entry:gank ' v. To take or steal something that does not belong to you. ('A nice pair of sunglasses had been left behind, so I ganked them.') [slang; possibly formed from a combination of gang and yank]

GANK
context and source:'Please don't gank my stuff, just give me credit.' Website; 8/30/03.
apparent meaning:This word means to steal with a connotation of malicious intent. It can also mean, in video games, to gang up on and kill an opponent. This meaning lends itself to the idea that the word is a combination of gang and kill. The former meaning leans more toward the word being a combination of grab and yank. Both of these may have happened at the same time to make the same word.This word may have been coined as a way to describe stealing in a more hip way, or as a way to talk about stealing things without alerting authority figures. The same goes for the 'killing' definition, as the term could be used in front of a more conservative audience with impunity.
type of word formation:blend of either gang and kill, or grab and yank
dictionary entry:gank [blend gang + kill OR grab + yank] Verb. 1. To steal someone's property with malicious intent. 2. To gang up on and kill someone's character in a video game.

getcheroxoff
context and source:'Well if that's how you getcheroxoff, well ok.' (conversation in my room, week of 12/1, 2003)
apparent meaning:getting one's way, getting kicks or enjoyment out of something
type of word formation:blend
dictionary entry:getcheroxoff, v. to get one's way; to get enjoyment or 'kicks' by doing a certain action ('I don't like how you getcheroxoff') [blend; arising from 'get' X 'your' X 'rox' (rocks in l33t lingo) X off']

Gig'em
context and source:'gig'em Aggies'. Heard at a football game from fans in the bleachers (Fall, 2003).
apparent meaning:An encouraging cheer for Texas A&M 'aggies', or athletes. 'Gig' is used as a shorter form of the phrase 'go get' and 'em' probably refers to 'them', the opponents. The 'i' most likely functions as a filler to aid in pronunciation; 'gg' is difficult to say.
type of word formation:Compound
dictionary entry:gig'em, v. To go and get [someone].

GINORMOUS
context and source:'I have four ginormous loads of laundry to do!' ' Conversation in Hanszen College, 25 Nov 2003.
apparent meaning:Massive, huge, or large, in either a physical or metaphorical sense.
type of word formation:blend
dictionary entry:GINORMOUS, adj. Massive, huge, or large, in either a physical or metaphorical sense. Composed of: GI [GIGANTIC] + NORMOUS [ENORMOUS]

Ginormous
context and source:'Have you seen these toilets' They're ginormous'' Will Ferrell, Elf, (I saw it on November 7, 2003).
apparent meaning:Used to describe an extremely large object
type of word formation:blend
dictionary entry:Ginormous: adj. Describing a large and out of proportion object.

Ginormous
context and source:'That book bag is ginormous' Cousin opening birthday presents Nov 30, 2003
apparent meaning:extremely large
type of word formation:giant and enormous blended together
dictionary entry:Ginormous, adj. very large; larger than expected [new blend; formed from 'giant' + 'enormous']

Ginormous
context and source:Someone was surprised at the ginormous birthday cake he got (Nov. 20, 2003)
apparent meaning:very very large
type of word formation:blend
dictionary entry:Ginormous, adj. Very very large (That mountain is ginormous!) [new blend, formed from 'gigantic' + 'enormous']

Giraffiti
context and source:: 'There's a ton of giraffiti on the side of that building.' (Overheard in street conversation, September 27th, 2003)
apparent meaning:: Used to describe graffiti that is located higher than normal.
type of word formation:: Blend (giraffe & graffiti)
dictionary entry:Giraffiti n. A drawing or inscription made on a wall or other surface (graffiti) located in a high location or altitude. [Blend compound formed from the words giraffe and graffiti]

Giraffiti
context and source:[none given]
apparent meaning:The characteristic great height of a giraffe is taken here.
type of word formation:blending
dictionary entry:Giraffiti, n. graffiti that is drawn on a high position.

Gleek
context and source:'Ewww' did you seem him gleek'' elementary school child Aug 2003
apparent meaning:the action of expelling saliva directly from the gland underneath the tongue out of the mouth.
type of word formation:unknown; perhaps playground slang
dictionary entry:Gleek, v. the action of expelling saliva directly from the gland underneath the tongue out of the mouth [origin unknown]

GLOMP
context and source:'When my sister met me at the airport, she glomped me.' Conversation; 10/4/03.
apparent meaning:When someone 'glomps' another person that they like, it is almost like an attack hug. A glomp is often predatory and lies somewhere between a caring embrace and a flying leap to tackle someone. This word is often used when discussing Japanese animation, as this type of hug is commonplace in anime. The term is also used online in text form as just a different word for hug. This term was probably coined to describe a more enthusiastic form of hugging someone.
type of word formation:: blend of glom'grab hold of' and '-omp,' which is sound symbolic of a rapid enclosing action as in 'chomp'
dictionary entry:glomp [blend glom + -omp] Verb. To hug a loved one enthusiastically, to the point of tackling them. Noun. Such a hug.

GOOGLE
context and source:'According to my googling, the caber is about 17 feet long and weighs around 150 pounds.' ' 'Gather Round.' Online at < http://www.shauny.org/pussycat >. 14 Sep 2003.
apparent meaning:Some people apply this word only to the use of the web-search service from which it derives, www.google.com, but some use it to describe any Internet search. Google became popular for its speed, relevance, and relative lack of corporate pervasion, and so its name became synonymous with the act of searching the Internet.
type of word formation:generic usage
dictionary entry:GOOGLE, v. To search the Internet for information. [verbal noun: GOOGLING] Composed of: GOOGLE

GOOGLE
context and source:'I don't need to look this up in my textbook, I should just google it.' Conversation; 11/10/03.
apparent meaning: This word means to look something up using a search engine on the Internet, especially the search engine Google. It was coined to describe looking something up on the Internet succinctly.
type of word formation:zero derivation, from noun 'Google' to verb 'to google'
dictionary entry: google [from 'Google'] Verb. To look up something on an internet search engine, especially Google itself.

google
context and source:Person 1: 'Do you know a good recipe for punch'' Person 2: 'No, but you could google it and find out''
apparent meaning:To 'google' something means to use the popular online search engine, google.com to find anything on the Internet that you don't have the address for.
type of word formation:zero derivation
dictionary entry:google, v. To use an online search engine as the basis for looking up information on the World Wide Web. [from google.com search engine in the Internet]

google
context and source:'You wanna bet' Let's google it right now,' (TV show, week of 9/29, 2003)
apparent meaning:to look up information quickly using a specific search engine
type of word formation:zero derivation
dictionary entry:google, v. to look up information quickly using the search engine Google' ('spam slows the internet down') [new zero derivation; arising from 'google', formally a company name']

google
context and source:'I was googling on my computer last night but couldn't find what I was looking for, which is rare for Google.' Something to this effect said by my Numerical Methods professor in October 2003
apparent meaning:the act of using the internet search engine google.com to search for information on the web
type of word formation:zero derivation
dictionary entry:google ' v. To perform an internet search using the search engine Google.com. ('To find the right information, just google it') [zero derivation; formed from the name 'Google']

Google
context and source:'Whenever I find something I'm unfamiliar with, I google it.' (Kerry Greer, October 31, 2003)
apparent meaning:To 'google' something seems to mean to look up its meaning, particularly on the internet, on Google or other search engines such as Dogpile or Yahoo.
type of word formation:Brand generalization (coinage)
dictionary entry:Google, v. To use an internet resource to look up or find out information. [formed by changing noun, Google, into a verb.]

Googled
context and source:An advisor admitted he 'googled' his freshmen before O-Week (Sept. 8, 2003).
apparent meaning:Searched for someone/something on www.google.com
type of word formation:derivation
dictionary entry:Googled, v. To search on the Internet (I'll google the hotel before we go.) [derivation, formed from 'Google' + 'ed']

Governator
context and source:Seen as the headline on several newspapers and on news websites the day that moviestar Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected governor of California.
apparent meaning:Quippy nickname for the new governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger
type of word formation:blending and clipping
dictionary entry:Governator ' n. nickname for the present governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. ('The Governator was sworn in today in front of a large crowd of cheering Californians.') [blending and clipping; formed from 'governor' + 'terminator']

Governator
context and source:'Here's a look at how al-Gaiyar and the Governator matched up over the years.' (Time 29 Oct 2003)
apparent meaning:Arnold Schwarzenegger, esp. after he was elected governor of California
type of word formation:blend of 'governor' + 'Terminator'
dictionary entry:Governator, n. Arnold Schwarzenegger, esp. after being elected governor of California ('the Governator won the election') [blend of 'governor' + 'Terminator']

Governator
context and source:'Yeah, he's interviewing the governator tonight.' (Overheard in a conversation while in the elevator, October 9th, 2003)
apparent meaning:Refers to Arnold Schwarzenegger, the new governor of California.
type of word formation:Blend (governor & terminator)
dictionary entry:Governator n. The current governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. [Blend compound formed from the words governor and terminator]

gr8
context and source:'That is a gr8 restaurant..' (IM conversation, 9/1/03)
apparent meaning:great
type of word formation:clipping
dictionary entry:gr8, adv., noun, adj. Great ('the weather today is gr8') [contraction of the ''eat' in 'great to '8', due to similar pronunciation]

Gravy
context and source: 'It's all gravy.' used in conversation with roommate ' 9/17/03
apparent meaning:good
type of word formation:c. word seems to meld 'great' + 'groovy' to make 'gravy.'
dictionary entry:Gravy ' good

GRINGOSITY
context and source:'The gringosity of the conspicuous white tourist was obnoxious.' Conversation; 10/29/03.
apparent meaning:This word expresses the quality of being a gringo, as in a white American person. It was coined to describe the quality, not just the person, as the sole word gringo does.
type of word formation:compound of gringo and -sity
dictionary entry:gringosity [gringo + -sity 'having the quality of'] Noun. The quality of being a gringo.

Groto
context and source:'My brother's bathroom is always so groto, even after mom cleans it,' (Gabby Chevez, November 26, 2003).
apparent meaning:Disgusting and dirty
type of word formation:coinage
dictionary entry:[none given]

GRUBBIFIABLE
context and source:'Wear grubbifiable clothes and tough shoes.' ' Hanszen Happy Funpage, Sec. 3, 1 Oct 2003.
apparent meaning:There isn't any single common-usage word that captures the sense of 'going to get dirty,' so suffixation made it happen. The sense of the word changes dramatically as it goes from the adjective GRUBBY to the verb GRUBBIFY and then back to an adjective, GRUBBIFIABLE.
type of word formation:blend
dictionary entry:GRUBBIFIABLE, adj. Intended for becoming soiled as a result of labor. Composed of: GRUBBI [GRUBBY] + -FI [-FY] + -ABLE

Gut
context and source:'When student call a course a 'gut,' often what they mean is that the exams haven't changed in a decade, that all the fraternities have them on file and that they're to be had for the asking.' (New York Times Online 9 Sep 2003)
apparent meaning:course in which cheating is especially easy Composed of: 'gut' (a narrow passage)
type of word formation:metaphorical extension ('gut' referring to a body part to 'gut' referring to a class in which passing is as straightforward as passing through the body part)
dictionary entry:Gut, n. academic course in which cheating (and passing) is especially easy ('that class is a gut') [metaphorical extension of 'gut']

guyish
context and source:'That pen's not a very guyish pen. It's more girly-looking.' Conversation overheard during class, 10 Oct 2003.
apparent meaning:having the characteristics of masculinity
type of word formation:affixation
dictionary entry:guyish ' adj. Being associated with masculinity or manliness. (a very guyish pen) [new derivation; formed from 'guy' + '-ish']

Gyp
context and source:'We got completely gypped this time.' (Nabiha Parvez, October 8th, 2003)
apparent meaning:A ripoff; something that is not worth what you're giving for it. To get 'ripped off.'
type of word formation:Clipping (Gypsy)
dictionary entry:Gyp v. To pull a scam or deprive of something by deception or fraud. [Clipping of the word Gypsy]

gzilcher
context and source:'But perhaps their most significant technological advance is the pioneering of the halftime Gzilcher' (found on MOB online forum in a discussion about school spirit 10/06/03)
apparent meaning:it is device very much like a giant slingshot, which is used to hurl water balloons or other object across a football field or other large distance.
type of word formation:creative new word
dictionary entry:gzilcher n. giant sling shot used to hurl objects long distances ('the halftime Gzilcher') [new word composition]

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