neologisms

[builder206]

From the N. Y. Times: “…'bromance,' a strong relationship between two heterosexual men, which combines “bro,” from brother, and romance”

 

“ 'post-kinetic environment'…military jargon, the site of an explosion, severe gunfire or a destructive engagement.”

 

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/23/weekinreview/23buzzwords.html

[catbirdseat]

Few of these new words stand much chance of widespread adoption, but I suspect some will, for example:

 

e-mail bankruptcy n.

 

What you’re declaring when you choose to delete or ignore a very large number of e-mail messages after falling behind in reading and responding to them. This often includes sending a boilerplate message explaining that old messages will never receive a personal, specific response. Although the Stanford law professor Lawrence Lessig is often credited with coining this term, at best he can be said to have popularized it. Its first use was in 2002, two years before Mr. Lessig publicly declared his own e-mail bankruptcy.

 

earmarxist n.

 

A member of Congress who adds earmarks — money designated for pet projects — to legislation.

 

exploding ARM n.

 

An adjustable rate mortgage with rates that soon rise beyond a borrower’s ability to pay.

 

forever stamp n.

 

A United States postage stamp that will cover a first-class letter regardless of future price increases.