Words / C2

nee-OL-uh-jiz-uh-m/niˈɒlədʒɪzəm/

A neologism is a newly invented word or expression: a journalistic neologism, coin a neologism. New word is everyday; coinage is a close synonym; slang may be new but is not always a crafted invention. Neologistic is rare as an adjective. In speech, a newly coined word is enough. Some neologisms stick; most die. Do not call an old word used in a new sentence a neologism, and do not sneer at every useful new term as a neologism in the insulting sense.

Meaning

A newly invented word or expression.

Examples

• ““Staycation” was once a neologism.”
• ““Staycation” was once a neologism; now it is merely a word some people dislike.”
• “The report’s neologisms (“learnings,” “cascade the vision”) did not hide the missing budget line.”

Good to know

A newly coined word or phrase. Everyday: a new word. Close: coinage. Contrast: slang (groupy, not always invented); an old word in a new sentence.

Near in meaning

coinage

New