New word question

[insider]

How does a new English word become a new word? Are new words copywrited? Are they new words only if they appear in a dictionary? Over the past century has their been one individual who has the record for the creation of new words?

[RealityChuck]

Words aren't copyrighted, though they can be trademarked.

Anyone can coin a word. I once coined "transphylite" to indicate someone who wants a species change operation. However, that's meaningless. What matters is that people start using that word: it must fill a purpose. If enough people use it, the dictionary makers will include it. (I have a friend who's trying to get the dictionaries to include a word he coined, "bytelock.")

They're new words if people recognize their meaning and use them. The dictionary only confirms that.

[Skwerl]

I'd like to help your friend get that into the dictionary, but what does it mean so I'll use it right?

[picunurse]

I guess I'm just cheap. I prefer used worded to new.

[picunurse]

Awww, Geeez. Contrary to the evidence, English is my cradle language. I meant to say words