New Words

Where do new words that appear in the dictionary each year come from?
We have the English language already, so how can we suddenly invent more words?
And who invents them anyway?

Re: New Words

I think a lot of the words are slang words that come from the younger generation. Or from new technology?

Re: New Words

Well I wondered that Sue, but I wonder how they get them accepted into dictionaries?

If we oldies invented a new word we hoped to be included next year, I wonder what it would be?...

Re: New Words

As I understand it there are people at the dictionary publishers (the Oxford English comes to mind) who monitor the appearance of new words in conversation, the press and now in social media. When they judge that it is widespread phenomenon then they include it.

Re: New Words

When my brother was very young he could never tell the difference between Crocodiles and Alligators - so they all became Crocodilligators. His children, grand children and now great grand children are still using that word. I think it is great. Should I submit it to OED ?

Re: New Words

I heard on television the word #tag (hash tag ) has become an acceptable word for the dictionary . Don't know when I would use it , don't even know what it's for .

#tag ...perhaps someone will enlighten me !

Re: New Words

Think it's something to do with Twitter 'addresses'.

Re: New Words

Yes! That's a lovely word!