http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/magazine/28FOB-onlanguage-t.html?ref=magazine
Interesting article about why some neologisms that are splices of words, or portmanteau words, make it into our daily usage and some don't. That is quite an interesting question! Does it have to do with their acoustics? Utility?
But to me what is more interesting than what sticks is why these words are created in the first place, that the things we are creating are seen as hybrids between already existing things. Is this a sign that novelty is dwindling— in both our new inventions and our words for them? I think more accurately it a sign that we require concision in our references. We are looking to be so efficient that saying "webinar" is leagues easier than saying "seminar on the Internet"
I think writing the On Language column might just be my dream job... I heard there is an opening. Are they looking for a stable, weekly writer by any chance?
No comments:
Post a Comment