Definition & Bedeutung von "protologism"

What is a "protologism"?

A protologism is a newly coined word or expression that has not yet gained widespread acceptance or recognition in a language. It is often created to fill a gap in vocabulary for a specific concept, object, or idea. For example, the term "internet" was once a protologism before becoming commonly used. Protologisms can emerge in various contexts, such as technology, culture, or social movements, and they may eventually become part of the standard vocabulary if they gain popularity and usage over time. This process reflects the dynamic nature of language, as it continually evolves to meet the needs of its speakers.