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?
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.
I’d like to help your friend get that into the dictionary, but what does it mean so I’ll use it right?
I guess I’m just cheap. I prefer used worded to new.
Awww, Geeez. Contrary to the evidence, English is my cradle language. I meant to say words