It’s Time for New Words

As society and technology progresses into the future, it is apparent that new words are being officially accepted for use in the English language to accommodate its advancements. Below are some examples.

Word	Meaning	Origin
Google	Verb, search for information about (someone or something) on the Internet, typically using the search engine Google.	1990s: from Google, the proprietary name of a popular Internet search engine
Netizen	Noun, a user of the Internet, especially a habitual or keen one	1990s: blend of net and citizen
Widget	Noun, an application or a component of an interface that enables a user to perform a function or access a service.	1930s: perhaps an alteration of gadget
Emoticon	Noun, a representation of a facial expression such as a smile or frown, formed by various combinations of keyboard characters and used in electronic communications to convey the writer’s feelings or intended tone	1990s: blend of emotion and icon
Recessionista	Noun, a woman who seeks to remain fashionable or stylish despite financial difficulties or a limited budget	early 21st century: from recession and fashionista

Creation and introduction of new words is determined by symbolic representation and linguistic productivity.

Language is a tool used by humans to symbolically represent their ideas: to communicate individuals explore the different means to express the ideas that originate in their minds. A sign is the medium for this expression. It actually consists of two parts signified and signifier. Signified is the private idea located solely in the mind of the individual. Signifier is the form which the idea is expressed.

The ability to understand and decode unusual sentences and words is called linguistic productivity. It exemplifies how learning language is more than trial and error. It is through these processes we learn the guidelines and rules that allow the generation of meanings.

It explains the reason for constant creation of words. In order to accommodate technological advancements and revolutionary situations or events, new terms are being coined constantly. With the presence of Internet, these words easily become conventional symbols because of the acceptance and social agreement of the words. For instance, the verb Google, it is globally accepted as a verb because it is popularized by the search engine Google.

With revolutionary events and achievements of humans through time, new words would always be introduced for usage. Can you think of words that are recently coined and accepted in the formal use of English?