Explore words with new or contested usages

Learning Objectives Identify words with new or contested usages in various texts, including articles, speeches, and literature. Define and differentiate between key concepts such as neologism, semantic shift, and jargon. Analyze the rhetorical effect of using a contested word in an argument or narrative. Evaluate the appropriateness of using a new or contested word based on audience, purpose, and context. Incorporate a new or contested word into their own writing with clear justification for its use. Articulate a clear position on a word's usage, using evidence from dictionaries, style guides, and real-world examples. Have you ever heard someone use 'literally' to mean 'figuratively' and wondered if they were wrong? 🤔 Language is constantly changing...

TermDefinitionExample NeologismA newly coined word or expression that is not yet in mainstream use, but may be in the process of entering common language.The word 'doomscrolling,' meaning the act of spending an excessive amount of screen time devoted to the absorption of negative news, became popular in 2020. Semantic ShiftThe evolution of a word's meaning over time. A word can gain new meanings, lose old ones, or its meaning can become more positive or negative.The word 'awful' originally meant 'full of awe' or 'awe-inspiring.' Today, it means 'very bad or unpleasant.' Contested UsageA word, phrase, or grammatical construction whose correctness or appropriateness is disputed by language users or experts.Using 'they' as a si...

The Audience and Purpose Principle The appropriateness of a word is determined by the intended audience and the writer's purpose. Before using a new or contested word, ask yourself: 'Who am I writing for?' and 'What am I trying to achieve?' A neologism that works perfectly on social media might be inappropriate in a formal research paper. The Context is Key Convention The meaning and impact of a word are shaped by the surrounding text and the situation in which it is used. Don't judge a word in isolation. Analyze the entire sentence, paragraph, and genre to understand why the author made that specific choice and what effect it creates. The Rhetorical Impact Rule New and contested words are often used deliberately to create a specific rheto...