From terms like “yeet” to phrases such as “social distancing,” new words frequently emerge and evolve in American English. The process by which these neologisms—newly coined terms—gain acceptance was explored in an interview with Christopher Green, associate professor of linguistics at the College of Arts and Sciences.
Green explained that most neologisms are not entirely new creations. “It is fairly rare for entirely new terms to emerge,” he noted. Instead, many new words repurpose parts of existing terms or represent changes where meanings expand or contract. Occasionally, completely new terms surface, such as “yeet,” which became popular among younger social media users and spread rapidly through digital platforms.
“A term must have a community of use whereby some string of sounds and an associated meaning come to be accepted and used by that community and eventually more broadly,” Green said. He emphasized how modern technology accelerates language evolution, allowing new terms to spread quickly through social media and global news cycles.
Regarding official recognition, Green suggested the concept is more fluid than often perceived. While dictionaries adding new words can mark informal recognition, it does not equate to official status. Organizations like the American Dialect Society hold yearly meetings where linguists vote on a “word (or phrase) of the year.”
Neologisms often follow cyclical patterns, appearing and disappearing based on changing circumstances. Green cited “social distancing” as a term that gained widespread use during the pandemic but has since largely fallen out of everyday conversation.
Generational language patterns also repeat over time. “Every generation has its term to express their liking of something,” Green said, citing examples like “rad, cool, fly, hip” among others.
Cultural shifts significantly influence neologism creation. Terms popularized in LGBTQ ballroom culture during the 1980s have expanded in use without users always realizing their origins. Words like “work,” “yes queen,” “serve” and “slay” illustrate how marginalized communities often drive mainstream language innovation.
Green observed contemporary reactions to Gen Alpha terminology with humor: adults sometimes express bewilderment at terms like “cap” or “sus.” He noted that previous generations had their own slang misunderstood by older generations.
The speed and scale of dissemination have changed due to social media enabling instant global communication compared to past reliance on music and television for spreading language innovations.
As American English continues evolving, understanding neologism patterns helps appreciate language as shaped by community use, cultural identity and technological advancement.
For further insights or interviews on this topic with Christopher Green, reporters may contact Keith Kobland at kkobland@syr.edu.
