I want to invent a word

After the success of «Petaloso» you too may be tempted to invent a new word. If you are a word game enthusiast, it shouldn’t be difficult; otherwise, you may find that leaving an imprint in the Italian lexicon is not at all easy or at least «complidatory» (complicated + intimidating). However, you will be surprised to learn that all it takes is a little inspiration and a lot of fun to create your word «intelligent» (intelligent + wonderful) in no time at all!

Part 1 of 2: Borrowing a Word

Step 1. Start with a compound term

If you first tried to come up with a word from scratch and didn’t have much luck, then you can evaluate a compound term. A compound word is a term that derives from the amalgamation of two or more distinct terms (for example, crossroads that derives from the words cross and away).

Write some of your favorite words on a piece of paper. Spend some time mixing and matching them. You will be amazed at how many magnificent results you can achieve

Step 2. Borrow foreign words

There are plenty of terms to choose from when you expand your search to foreign dictionaries. A linguistic loan is represented by a foreign word that becomes part of the native lexicon of another language. This type of words contributed to the development of the Italian language from the very beginning.

• Buy or borrow a Spanish, English, French or German vocabulary. Underline the terms you like best and list them on a piece of paper. You will need to modify them slightly, as your intention is not to use them in their original form, but to create new words.
• Rent a film in the original language. Do not use the subtitle function and try to listen to the actors. Have a pen and paper handy to note how the words are pronounced.

Step 3. Turn a noun into a verb

The multinational «Google» has practically transformed its name into a verb (it is not uncommon to hear «I googlo this name» instead of «I’m looking for this name with Google», even if it is incorrect). There will be no shortage of nouns and adjectives that you can re-propose in the form of verbs, all you need is a little imagination.

To start, look at the household objects around you and try to use their name in a sentence as if it were a verb. Don’t expect each of these new verbs to be a success, but over time you will find a neologism you like

Step 4. Take suggestions from a young child

Inspiration for new terms often lurks in unexpected places. One of them could be your family. Young children, who are learning to speak, often do not pronounce the words correctly on the first try. They unwittingly invent new terms as they embark on their path in the Italian language.

• Ask a child what their favorite word is. If he can write it, ask him to do it. If not, do your best to understand the spelling as you say it.
• Listen to your child’s bark. You will be amazed at the number of words it can suggest to you in no time.

Part 2 of 2: Invent your own Word

Step 1. Understand the term creation mechanism

In this way, you will have the basics to «build» your word. There are several ways to proceed; although the terms are often invented from scratch, in other cases they are formed by imitating sounds. Likewise, there are many other words, often in common use, which have arisen from an incorrect perception of sound.

• The next time you can’t understand exactly what a person is saying, turn a potentially awkward situation into an opportunity to create a new word.
• Find inspiration at home. Hear the typical sounds of a family. You might be surprised at how many new terms you can come up with by simply turning off the TV and listening to your surroundings.
• Open the window and let outside noises enter. This too is an endless source of inspiration.

Step 2. Hyphenate two words to form a sentence

You will need to do some spelling changes at first, but try to think of a sentence that you can blend into one word.

Write some of your favorite phrases consisting of two or even three words. See if you can turn them into a single word that makes sense

Step 3. Have fun while you think and let the ideas flow

The most important thing in the process of creating a new word is the fun! Don’t take yourself too seriously. If you discover a really cool new word, share it with your friends, family and use it cheerfully.

• Let the word spread, try to use it in a sentence, but be consistent.
• The new word will need a definition, so prepare one in case other people ask you for details. This will help them use the term appropriately.

Advice

• When you’ve created a word, don’t use it too clumsily. Only say it when it makes sense and explain its meaning if someone asks you. If you use it a lot in the right context, you will notice that your friends will start doing it too!
• Use your imagination.
• By inventing many nicknames you can create your own dictionary of invented words. You never know, over time one of your terms may appear on an official list.
• Try to post the word on dictionary websites. It could be successful.
• Read Il Ciciarampa to find some inspiration. It is a poem composed of invented words, the sound of which makes us understand the meaning.
• An alternative technique is to mix the various syllables according to their sound.
• If you wish, you can post your made up words on a discussion forum so that everyone can read them.
• Make sure the word sounds natural in Italian.

Warnings

• Don’t worry if you skip or skip steps, the goal is just to have fun.
• Most academic dictionaries regard words as neologisms until they are used by a large number of people for a certain period of time. Do not use invented words in contexts where they are not accepted.