A Conversation With Daniel

[Aussie Chris]

Most of the terms I use are made up on the spot - usually combining two concepts to create another one.

and this is ok in your book

[Daniel]

If the shoe fits, who cares who designed it...?

We do it all the time in our verbal conversations, anyway.  It's important to have shortened terms for the sake of discussion, and if we don't make them up, who will?

[moremojo]

I think it's okay to coin words to clarify our arguments, as long as we define our terms. Neologisms are part and parcel of a living language, and they truly are created all the time. I for one sometimes struggle for the words to express a subtle nuance of thought or feeling that my native tongue doesn't seem capable of describing, or at least I haven't encountered the pertinent vocabulary yet.

Peace,
Scott

[Daniel]

In a language like English, it is very easy to create terms and new vocaulary, particularly when the roots are known well enough.

[Aussie Chris]

I thought this was interesting:

http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/neologism
Main Entry: ne·ol·o·gism
Pronunciation: nE-'ä-l&-"ji-z&m
Function: noun
Etymology: French néologisme, from ne- + log- + -isme -ism
1 : a new word, usage, or expression
2 : a meaningless word coined by a psychotic

So when do you think the first definition ends and the second one begins?  Or is it: "a little from column A and a little from column B"?

[moremojo]

I learned of the second definition when consulting the dictionary while preparing my post (wanted to make sure I wasn't being a Mrs. Malaprop), but in my post I entirely meant the former meaning.

[injest]

inventing a word...or constructing a new one from common roots....is fine. As long as the people in the conversation understand the words..

So if you would like to converse and want to include others; just make a point of saying "I like to call this set of circumstances 'xyz'" then everyone is clear on what they are talking about.

Using words you make up without filling in other people is counterproductive.

[Daniel]

Hmmm, I suppose it makes it more difficult when the root terms are poorly defined as it is...

Anyway, I thought I would tell you that there would be a momentary hiatus in our conversation, I will be going away for about a week. So, I will have to reenter the conversation at that point, feel free to continue on in my absence, I'm sure things can get more interesting.

[moremojo]

Take care, Daniel. I  hope you have a nice trip.