1. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    Messages:
    9,502
    Likes Received:
    9,758
    Location:
    England

    Is there a term for this?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by OurJud, Mar 2, 2017.

    The recent thread about the word 'Unresisted' got me wondering if there's an official term for when a word is turned into a negative by prefixing it with 'Un'.

    I know these definitely aren't words - unlike the debatable unresisted - but they're sometimes used for comic effect. I'm talking about things like 'unpregant', 'unstupid' - which are simply used to illustrate that whatever the word is saying, is not the case.

    They're not double negatives as such, but along those lines.
     
  2. big soft moose

    big soft moose An Admoostrator Admin Staff Supporter Contributor Community Volunteer

    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2016
    Messages:
    22,608
    Likes Received:
    25,910
    Location:
    East devon/somerset border
    newspeak (from 1984) double plus ungood comrade
     
    OurJud likes this.
  3. Sack-a-Doo!

    Sack-a-Doo! Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2015
    Messages:
    2,403
    Likes Received:
    1,647
    Location:
    [unspecified]
    It's a type of affix.
     
    Homer Potvin, GingerCoffee and OurJud like this.
  4. OurJud

    OurJud Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    May 21, 2009
    Messages:
    9,502
    Likes Received:
    9,758
    Location:
    England
    Thank you.
     
    Sack-a-Doo! likes this.
  5. Homer Potvin

    Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 8, 2017
    Messages:
    12,231
    Likes Received:
    19,863
    Location:
    Rhode Island
    Whooooooaaaaaa... super cool! I never knew this.
     
    Sack-a-Doo! likes this.
  6. Sack-a-Doo!

    Sack-a-Doo! Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2015
    Messages:
    2,403
    Likes Received:
    1,647
    Location:
    [unspecified]
    Nor did I until OurJud asked. I got curious and went looking. :)
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice