Creating words can be a powerful way to give your writing a personal touch or to develop a new trend among you and your friends. Creating a new word is as easy as spelling or pronouncing it once, but to make its meaning stick, you'll have to work to develop it. This guide gets you started on your creation process.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Understanding the Words
Step 1. Learn how words work
Words serve as a specification for an object or concept they are describing. Therefore, in order for it to acquire meaning, the word must be linked to some form or idea. This link can be specific or vague. For example, "tree" brings to mind the concept of a tree, but it could refer to any type. The word "tree" itself is not descriptive in any way of the appearance or other characteristics of the tree, but is related to its meaning and therefore will always bring the idea of the tree to mind to those who hear it.
The words you create don't necessarily have to be tied to an idea, object or action to make sense. This bond is built through the context or the way you use the word and the influence it suffers from those around it
Step 2. Brush up on the grammar
To create a truly compelling word it will need to be grammatically correct. The grammar of your sentence will help the context for the meaning. Decide which part of the speech your word belongs to. Is it a noun, referring to a person, thing or place? Is it a verb that describes an action? Is it an adjective, a word that describes a noun? Is it an adverb, a word that describes an action?
Knowing where your word fits grammatically will help you build meaningful sentences with it
Step 3. Study suffixes and prefixes
In English, for example, many words derive from a suffix or prefix to an already existing word. Try adding them to the word you want to change.
- For example, by adding “-tastic” to the end of a word, you will mean that something was fantastic, in a positive or sarcastic sense. For example, after seeing a concert you might say it was "rockstastic".
- If you chew English, you can create an adjective by adding "y" to a noun. For example: "It had a newspapery feel to it."
Step 4. Study other languages
Many words derive from foreign ones. Taking contexts expressed by foreign words can give your own a more believable and realistic sense. Latin and German, for example, are two great languages to draw on when looking for basic words.
Method 2 of 3: Create Feint Words
Step 1. Identify theme and tone
When creating a new word to write a fake setting, always keep in mind the tone and theme. Your newly created words will sound natural in the world you have in mind. Foreign ones can help fuel the atmosphere depending on the language:
- Germanic languages have a harsh, guttural sound. With words of this derivation you will have strong characters. You can use them for negative characters or with bestial qualities.
- Romance languages are light and airy and can impart seduction. If you call a place French you will give a sense of the exotic.
- Use Latin words for a scientific touch. Latin evokes wisdom so words that are based on Latin imply intelligence. Latin is also an ancient language and can be exploited for an aura of mysticism.
- Asian languages are great for place names and exotic objects.
- Use other languages as the basis for sounds and sensations related to the world you are creating. Avoid copying the word directly but use it as a guide.
Step 2. Create a word that is recognizable
A successful word is one that the reader won't get too bummed about. Try to connect it with some recognizable concept. For example, the word "fognocca" to refer to a condition in someone's mouth gives the reader a general sense of what kind of mouth the character might have. This is because the word "sewer" is well known and evokes a certain feeling in most readers.
Step 3. Define your word
Writing the official definition will help you use it correctly. Set it up as if it appears in a dictionary and list any other forms it might take. This can be particularly useful if you write a passage with several newly minted words, both as a reference for you and for the reader.
Step 4. Repeat your word
If you want it to remain etched in the reader's mind and become normal, it will have to appear several times in the writing. According to some studies, readers understand a new word after finding it ten times in a context. This means that your word will need to be supported by the language around it to give the reader clues as to how it is used and what it means.
Method 3 of 3: Create a Slang
Step 1. Learn the concept of slang
Slang originated in the communities of speakers and writers as an abbreviation for the names of objects, actions and concepts. It is a method of exclusion since only those who are part of the tour will understand the terms.
- Slang artists are inside the language, but they can also call themselves out of that same subculture if it ends up getting too popular.
- Slang is constantly evolving and words and phrases can be quickly forgotten. This is particularly towards whether the slang spreads beyond the cultural boundaries that generated it. Avoid creating slang based on out-of-print terms that are no longer used, as your creation will have an archaic feel to it.
Step 2. Truncate a word
To truncate means to cut off a part of a word, at the beginning or at the end. Mix two truncated words to form some new compound. You can also add prefixes and suffixes by combining them with the truncation to get something totally new.
For example, instead of saying "okay," you can cut and mix by saying "dordo."
Step 3. Try verbalizing a word
It simply means taking a noun and turning it into a verb. The word "message", for example, is usually a noun which today is also used as a verb (texting) to send a text message.
- Another example of verbalization is the word "party." Originally it was a noun that indicated a group of people. Now it involves celebrating something, usually by drinking. The context of the word dictates its interpretation.
- The word "gun" is a noun but can be used as a verb when you "shoot someone to death." Verbalizing a noun can add some verve or give a dramatic connotation to an otherwise flat sentence.
- Experiment with nouns to find the one that works best with the verbalization process. Not all nouns can be verbalized, but you can create an impactful and memorable sentence when you realize you can.
Step 4. Spread your slang
The slang is spread by word of mouth, so to work it will have to be used and in vogue. Use it in conversations but don't make it clear that you are using a new word. Let others derive the meaning through the context of what you are saying. This way you will give your word credibility.
