Language Change Terminology Flashcards
What change in language are we most aware off?
Lexical Change
What is the term used to refer to new words?
Neologisms
A word from a foreign language becomes part of the English Language
Borrowing
Takeover, bittersweet, girlfriend are all examples of what?
Compounding
Giant + Enormous = Ginormous
Stalk + Fan = Stan
Are examples of what?
Blending
A word is formed by the initial letters of other words e.g LIGHT (Light Amplification by Simulated Emission of Radiation)
Acronym
A word is shortened - BICYCLE, BIKE INFLUENZA, FLU
Abbreviation
Words are made up entirely are what?
Root creating
To change a verb into a noun is what?
TO REFILL > A REFILL
Conversion
New words are made by removing affixes from old ones
EDITOR > EDIT
Backformation
A word is created from a persons name
The LEOTARD created from JULES LEOTARD
Eponym
Temporary words that never properly enter the language
Nonces
When a words image becomes more specialised
Give an example
Meaning Narrowing
MEAT used to mean ALL FOODS
When a words image widens
Give an example
Meaning extension
BIRD used to mean YOUNG BIRD
When a word gains positive connotations
MISCHIEVOUS used to mean ‘disastrous’ but now it mans ‘playfully annoying’
Amelioration
