Lexical Neologisms in English: Formation, Trends, and Cultural Impact
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.28925/2311-2425.2025.2413Keywords:
Lexical neologisms, word formation, borrowing, blending, compounding, affixation, acronyms, initialisms, clipping, semantic shift, functional shift, digital linguistics, internet language, social media influence, language evolution, linguistic innovationAbstract
Lexical neologisms, or neologisms, play an important role in developing the English language, reflecting dynamic changes in society, culture, technology, and politics. This article analyzes the main reasons for the emergence of new lexical units in the English language, their classification, and their impact on modern culture. Among the main reasons for the emergence of neologisms, technological progress, socio-cultural changes, globalization and innovations in communication stand out. The article examines the main methods of neologism formation, particularly composition, affixation, contraction, acronym, and rethinking of meanings. Special attention is paid to technological neologisms that have become integral to professional and everyday speech. Words such as "blockchain", "cryptocurrency" and "Metaverse" illustrate how innovations affect the development of vocabulary. In addition, household neologisms that arise in response to modern social trends and cultural phenomena, such as "selfie", "binge-watch" and "dad joke", are studied. The article also highlights the main challenges associated with studying and integrating neologisms into educational materials and dictionaries. Analyzing the prospects for the development of lexical neologisms, the authors predict a further increase in their number due to the development of artificial intelligence, the impact of intercultural communication, and the spread of virtual realities. The conclusions emphasize the importance of studying neologisms for understanding the linguistic and sociocultural processes that shape modern English.
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