1. LateJohnBrown

    LateJohnBrown New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0

    Made-up words

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by LateJohnBrown, Oct 29, 2007.

    When is it acceptable to make up a word?

    I have a sentence I want to use:

    "Forget it," she said with angry dismission.

    she was being dismissive. dismissively doesn't have any rhythm in that sentence and the dictionary defines dismission as being terminated from a job.

    any advice? Thanx ;-)
     
  2. adamant

    adamant Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2006
    Messages:
    1,085
    Likes Received:
    32
    Location:
    The Comatorium
    I don't believe you should make up a new word unless you're making up a new language, describing something unprecedented, or you can justify the root meanings used in said word.

    It'd be easier to find another word (and your 'rhythm') if given the context...
     
  3. crs

    crs Active Member

    Joined:
    Oct 25, 2007
    Messages:
    103
    Likes Received:
    5
    Not too many people get a way with making up words.
    You could use "indifference."

    Hmm . . actually I think "angry indifference" might be a bit of a contradiction.
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    i suspect that no agent/editor reading it will assume that's a coinage and not just a clueless writer's misuse of a non-word...

    my best advice is don't do it unless it's made clear that you're coining a word and have a really good reason for doing so...
     
  5. Banzai

    Banzai One-time Mod, but on the road to recovery Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 31, 2007
    Messages:
    12,834
    Likes Received:
    151
    Location:
    Reading, UK
    Why is this in word games? :confused:
     
  6. Eoz Eanj

    Eoz Eanj Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 11, 2006
    Messages:
    2,206
    Likes Received:
    46
    Because they don't have over 6,000 posts.

    :p
     
  7. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Because the poster thought there would be more traffic here?

    I would recommend looking around the site and becoming familiar with where things are before posting. You might even find that the question ahs already been answered elsewhere on the site.
     
  8. Phaiyle

    Phaiyle New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 23, 2007
    Messages:
    56
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Houston, TX. Appartment.
    I think its fine to make up your own words. I mean Shakespeare did. It'll either catch on or it wont. Its really a matter of, are you comfortable with possible criticism.

    I use the word mused. A teacher I had kept telling me it wasn't a word. I like it. I don't care what she says. As long as its meaning is gotten across then its fine.
     
  9. Kit

    Kit Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Apr 14, 2007
    Messages:
    1,985
    Likes Received:
    14
    Location:
    Nottinghamshire
    Mused isn't a word?? *shock* lol.. I thought it was.


    Thread moved as it was in the wrong section.
     
  10. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    don't know where your teacher went to school, but 'mused' soitanly IS a word!... sorry to burst your bubble, but you didn't coin it:


     
  11. Anthony James Barnett

    Anthony James Barnett New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 8, 2007
    Messages:
    270
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Spain
    Hi LateJohnBrown,

    Why not re-arrange it to something like

    "Forget it." She felt angry now, and was dismissive
     
  12. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Teachers aren't always right. Mused is indeed a word, and a dictionary would be fine evidence to present. Even a teacher can learn, if he or she is open to do so.

    I had a 6th grade teacher, Miss Wilbur, who was not very strong in science. We only had two science classes teh entire year. In one of them, she insisted that house current was DC (direct current). I disputed that, but she insisted she was correct "because the lights don't flicker".
     
  13. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    she should have met my second ex-/late hubby, who told my kids that the sun revolved around the earth, with a perfectly serious straight face... said it was obvious, since we can see it moving across the sky!... would've made a perfect couple, huh?
     
  14. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    And risk them breeding???
     
  15. Edward

    Edward Active Member

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2007
    Messages:
    312
    Likes Received:
    5
    Location:
    Virginia
    I think coining a word isn't a big deal. And I say we need the word dismission as much as we need to word zany.
     
  16. SeaBreeze

    SeaBreeze Banned

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Messages:
    1,179
    Likes Received:
    17
    Location:
    At the bar
    LOL.


    I think it was Adamant that said it? Unless making up a language (which is hard anyways) probably not the best idea. But if you can sneak it in, go for it. Just play around with your words. You'll end up finding one that fits the scene well enough.
     
  17. ILTBY

    ILTBY Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2007
    Messages:
    755
    Likes Received:
    17
    OT-

    One of mine once tried to tell the class that the word 'flute' had two syllables in it.
     
  18. adamant

    adamant Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2006
    Messages:
    1,085
    Likes Received:
    32
    Location:
    The Comatorium
    Fla-ute
     
  19. ILTBY

    ILTBY Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2007
    Messages:
    755
    Likes Received:
    17
    Flu-ute :)
     
  20. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    Fah-loot
     
  21. adamant

    adamant Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Dec 14, 2006
    Messages:
    1,085
    Likes Received:
    32
    Location:
    The Comatorium
    Is it just me, or did we make that word sound ten times more German?
     
  22. ILTBY

    ILTBY Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2007
    Messages:
    755
    Likes Received:
    17
    Okay, to be fair, it could be considered a two-syllable word in some cultures :p
     
  23. Cogito

    Cogito Former Mod, Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 19, 2007
    Messages:
    36,161
    Likes Received:
    2,827
    Location:
    Massachusetts, USA
    floo TAY? ;)
     
  24. Torana

    Torana Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2007
    Messages:
    9,639
    Likes Received:
    131
    I am bad for making up words or leaving letters out of words all the time. I can be lazy with my written and spoken language at times.
    I think that it is ok but it depends on what you are using it for really. I tend to do it a bit in some of the stories that I write for certain characters that I create, but otherwise I generally prefer to use proper wording in my writing when I am not drafting.
     

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