I used to think that everyone made up new words. When I was a kid my friend Giles and I were very competitive about it. But as I grew older, I realized that very few people feel the need to accurately define the many "nameless" phenomena or artifacts in their surroundings. Most people seem content with vague "you know that thing..." or defining things by similarity "it's sort of like that thing" etc. I am not one of those people.
When I stumbled upon the online "Urban Dictionary" I felt vindicated. Apparently Giles and I were not alone. Other people felt a need to coin new words, to define the world around them.
Another word I felt was needed:
Anyone can submit their new word and definition to The Urban Dictionary, and if it passes muster with the editors, your word will be included. The definition is subject to further evaluation by the public using a thumbs up/down rating.I also added these words to our contemporary lexicon
Have you ever felt the need to invent a new word, or to coin a phrase? If so, what was it? Leave any comments or new words below by clicking on the "comments" link.
8 comments:
I've made up at least ooty pazillion words. Maybe more.
Heh...my son and I enjoy this sort of thing all the time! Like when he's being contrary, I'll call him a "Mass-hole" (combo of Matt and the obvious-he IS an adult), and his favorite made up word is fundamentalistinarianship although I don't think he ever assigned a meaning to it (rules? ;-). I like your additions a lot too, BTW!
Alpha-I'm reminded once again that anything I can do you can do better...
Lisa-Did you guys ever play the word game "Balderdash"? Might be worth a try...
Luis-Thanks for the link...True that economics are important, but breaking bad habits and being more conscious of purchase decisions entails the economics, and is free-if not easy.
I should probably confess that most of the time I make them up accidentally, or in attempt to cover up the fact that I've forgotten so many of the words I already know. But it's endlessly entertaining. My pals and I like to play a game where you open the dictionary randomly and pick a word, and either read the definition or make one up. Then everybody has to decide whether you're making it up or not. Or something like that; I forget exactly how it goes.
hey phil,
I didnt know how to get in touch with you, but the cross bike is completely 100% stock if you want to try it again. Let me know either way cause it is going on ebay soon.
Hope you are well.
Propagreenda! I love it-always knew there was a word or should be a word to capture this misleading info. I also love your word "preferosexual" and "scarpic" I also admit to being a mild "egogoogler".
Great words, Verge.
Keep it up!
As a writer, I'm always trying to find exactly the right word to get across my meaning. I love that you're coming up with new ones. I'll keep checking back for more inspiration.
Dagny McKinley
www.onnotextiles.com
organic apparel
Good Job! :)
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