Clipping

Definition

Clipping is a word formation process that involves shortening a longer word by removing one or more syllables, creating a new form that retains the original meaning. This process reflects the tendency in language to favor brevity and efficiency, often resulting in more casual or informal variants of words. Clipping can contribute to the evolution of language by creating new lexical items that are used in everyday speech.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Clipping can occur in different forms, including back clipping (removing the end), fore clipping (removing the beginning), and middle clipping (removing parts from the middle).
2. Common examples of clipped words include 'ad' from 'advertisement', 'fridge' from 'refrigerator', and 'gym' from 'gymnasium'.
3. Clipped forms are often more informal and are frequently used in spoken language rather than in formal writing.
4. The process of clipping reflects cultural trends, as newer generations may prefer shorter terms for convenience and ease of communication.
5. Clipping is not random; it tends to follow patterns based on phonetic ease and frequency of use in everyday conversation.

Review Questions

• How does clipping reflect the cultural trends and communication preferences of different generations?
  • Clipping reflects cultural trends as it shows how language evolves with societal changes. Younger generations often favor shorter, more efficient forms of communication, which can lead to the popularization of clipped words. This trend aligns with a broader inclination towards casual and informal speech, especially in social media and texting contexts, where brevity is valued.
• In what ways does clipping differ from other word formation processes like blending and derivation?
  • Clipping differs from blending and derivation in its approach to word formation. While blending combines parts of two words to form a new one, such as 'smog' from 'smoke' and 'fog', derivation involves adding prefixes or suffixes to create new meanings. Clipping simply shortens an existing word without altering its fundamental meaning or combining elements from multiple sources.
• Evaluate the impact of clipping on language evolution and its role in everyday communication.
  • Clipping significantly impacts language evolution by creating concise terms that adapt to contemporary communication styles. It enables speakers to convey ideas more efficiently, aligning with fast-paced lifestyles. Additionally, clipped forms often gain acceptance in everyday language use, influencing formal language over time as they become entrenched within societal norms, showcasing how language continuously evolves to meet the needs of its speakers.

Related terms

abbreviation: A shortened form of a word or phrase, often created by omitting letters, and can include initialisms or acronyms.

blending:

A word formation process that combines parts of two or more words to create a new term, such as 'brunch' from 'breakfast' and 'lunch'.

derivation: A word formation process that creates new words by adding prefixes or suffixes to existing words, altering their meaning or grammatical category.