neologism
neologism — noun
1. a word or phrase that has recently been invented to describe a new idea, technol
a word or phrase that has recently been invented to describe a new idea, technology, or social trend, or an existing word that has developed a fresh meaning for a similar purpose
The word 'selfie' began as an informal neologism in online forums before entering standard English.
neologism naming a new social trend
When people start ignoring calls, a neologism such as 'ghosting' often arises to describe the behaviour.
pattern: neologism such as + [example]
Every spring, dictionary editors review hundreds of neologisms and decide which ones to add.
The linguistics professor asked Eleni to find five recent neologisms in technology magazines.
Noor learned the neologism 'doomscrolling' from her therapist, who used it to describe her late-night news habit.
- coinage
Similar meaning but also refers to the process of inventing words, not just the result; slightly more formal.
- new word
Everyday English equivalent; less technical and more accessible to general readers.
- made-up word
Informal and sometimes dismissive; suggests deliberate invention rather than natural emergence.
- portmanteau
A specific type of neologism created by blending two words (e.g. 'brunch' from 'breakfast' + 'lunch').
- archaism
An old word or expression that has fallen out of common use, the opposite of a newly created word.
- obsolete word
A word no longer in active use; contrasts with a neologism that is entering the language.
文法句型
neologism + for + [concept/behaviour]
neologism + such as + [example]
coin + a + neologism
用法筆記
Frequently appears in discussions of language change, technology, and popular culture rather than in everyday conversation. The term is a countable noun; one may speak of 'a neologism' or 'neologisms' in general. The verb 'neologize' exists but is rare — most English speakers say 'coin a new word' instead.