Forming words can be a great way to put your mark on your writing or to develop a way of speaking for you and just your friends. Forming a new word only requires writing or saying it once, but in order for its meaning to last, you have to develop it. This guide will help you get started with the word formation process.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Understanding the Word
Step 1. Learn how words work
Words function as markers of objects and concepts they describe. Therefore, for a word to be meaningful, it must be related to a form of object or idea. These links can be specific or vague. For example, “tree” reminds us of the concept of a tree, but it can refer to any type of tree. The word "tree" itself does not explain the shape of the tree at all or the characteristics of the tree, but the word sticks to its meaning, and because of that it will always make the reader remember the tree.
The word you form must of course be related to a particular idea, object, or action to make sense. This connection is built through the context or the way you use the word and how it is influenced by other words around it
Step 2. Hone your grammar knowledge
To form a convincing real word, it must be grammatically correct. The grammar of the sentence will help provide context for the meaning of your word formation. Decide which word class your formed word belongs to. What is a noun that refers to a person, place, or thing? What is the verb that describes action? Do the adjective money explain nouns? What is an adverb that describes how an action is performed?
Knowing where your word is in the grammatical structure will help you make a convincing sentence with it
Step 3. Learn prefixes and suffixes
Many words in English come from adding a prefix or suffix to an existing word. Try adding a prefix or suffix to the word you want to modify.
- Add “-tastic” at the end of the word to imply that something is fantastic, either earnest or sarcastic. For example, after a concert, you can say the concert is “rocktastic”.
- Form adjectives by adding “-y” to nouns. For example, “It had a newspapery feel to it. (There is a newspaper impression)
Step 4. Learn another language
Many English words come from foreign languages. Taking concepts from a foreign language can make your words more believable and realistic. Latin and German are two languages worth investigating when looking for root words.
Method 2 of 3: Forming Words for Fiction
Step 1. Study the theme and atmosphere you want to build
When forming new words to describe a fictional setting, consider the theme and atmosphere you want to create. Your new word formation should sound natural in the world your characters live in. Foreign words can help build the atmosphere, depending on the language:
- The Germanic clump language sounds harsh and there is the impression of a choking sound. Using a word with a Germanic root for a villain will make your character look scary.
- Romance language sounds light and gentle, and can give your character a seductive nature. Naming a location with a word based on French or Italian will make an exotic impression.
- Use words with a Latin root to add a scientific flavor. Latin triggers wisdom, so a word with a Latin root can also imply intelligence. Latin is also an ancient language, and can be used to add an element of mystique.
- Asian languages can make great base words for exotic-sounding locations and subjects.
- Use another language as the basis for the sound and feel of the words you form. Avoid copying direct words. Instead, use the words as a guide.
Step 2. Rich shapes that are easy to spot
Words that work are words that won't overwhelm the reader. Try associating words with familiar concepts. For example, using the word “bogmouth” to refer to the condition of the mouth makes the reader understand in general what the character experiences with “bogmouth”. That could be because the word “bog” (moist) is familiar and triggers the same feelings from most readers.
Step 3. Make the meaning of your words
Writing down the official meaning of your formed words will help you use them correctly. Format your meaning as if your word was in a dictionary, and list any other forms of the word that may occur. This is especially useful if you are creating a story with a few new words so that the meaning you write can serve as a reference for you and the reader.
Step 4. Repeat your word
If you want your words to stick in the reader's memory and be used naturally in conversation, you must continue to use them in your writing. Research shows that readers will understand a new word after reading it ten times with context. That means your word must be supported by the surrounding language to provide clues to the reader regarding the use and meaning of the word.
Method 3 of 3: Making Slang
Step 1. Understand the concept of slang
Slang grew from a collection of speakers or writers as a shortened form to refer to an object, action, or concept. Slang is an exception method because only insiders can understand slang terms.
- Slang begins as an insider's language, but can extend beyond the subculture once it becomes popular enough.
- Slang is constantly changing and words and phrases can fall out of use very quickly. This is especially the case when slang begins to penetrate environments other than its original culture. Avoid making slang based on terms that are no longer commonly used because your word formation will feel outdated.
Step 2. Short words
If you use this method, you cut off part of the word, either the beginning or the end. Combine two shortened words to form a new compound word. You can combine them by adding a prefix or suffix to form a completely new word.
For example, instead of saying, “All right,” (okay), the words can be shortened and combined into “aight.”
Step 3. Try to form verbs from nouns
You just pick a noun and use it as a verb. For example, “text” was traditionally a noun, but now it can also be used as a verb to refer to sending a written message.
- Another example of verb formation is the word "party". Originally, “party” was a noun that described a gathering of people. Today, “party” also means engaging in celebratory activities, usually by drinking. The context of the word determines its interpretation.
- “Gun” (pistol) is a noun, but can be used as a verb when used in the phrase “gun someone down”. Turning nouns into verbs can add fun and dramatic effect to a boring sentence.
- Experiment with nouns to find nouns that can be used as verbs. Not all nouns can be used as verbs, but you can create memorable and meaningful sentences if you find them.
Step 4. Spread your new slang words
Slang comes from within itself, so, in order for your slang term to be used by people, you must use it first. Use it in conversation, but don't make it too obvious that you're using a new word. Let your friends grasp the meaning of the word from the context of your words. It will make your word more trustworthy.
