Neologisms 1

A neologism is a newly coined word that hasn’t quite made it into common usage. The word “neologism” itself was coined in 1772 and is borrowed from the French (néologisme, coined in 1734).

The Washington Post sponsors an annual neologism contest, encouraging its readers to submit new meanings for words we use in everyday language.

Among the winners:

·         Coffee (n.), the person upon whom one coughs.

·         Flabbergasted (adj.), appalled over how much weight you have gained.

·         Abdicate (v.), to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

·         Esplanade (v.), to attempt an explanation while drunk.

·         Willy-nilly (adj.), impotent.

·         Negligent (adj.), describes a condition in which you absentmindedly answer the door in your nightgown.

·         Lymph (v.), to walk with a lisp.

·         Gargoyle (n.), olive-flavored mouthwash.

I don’t know why, but these just cracked me up. Thanks to my good friend Beverly for turning me on to these. More at a later date.