Lexical Creation Coinage Neologism Nonce word The Renaissance 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990swords/newwords/ Compounding Combining existing words to form new words. handbag flowerpot on-line Proper Names Name of product becomes synonymous with product itself. Hoover Selotape Blu-tak Clipping/reduction New word formed by shortening other word. Not abbreviation! ad - advert fridge flu plane Acronyming Phrase is replaced by a word based upon first letters of its words. Word acronymSpelling acronym LASERPR SCUBA PC Conversion Changing of word class to form new word. wand (noun)to wand (verb) lip (noun) to lip (verb) to kiss Othello, Shakespeare Blending New word formed by fusing elements of other words. brunch motel sitcom Borrowing Taking a new word from another language. disco karaoke Invention When a new word is completed invented. geek yuck quiz Backformation New word formed by removing an imagined affix. televise editeditor babysit babysitter