Jun 11, 2025
Clipping-The shortening of a word in such a way that the new word is used with exactly the same meaning, for example, exam from examination. In general, adults prefer back-clipping, for example, prof for professor, whereas children prefer front-clipping, for example, fessor for professor. Unlike a back-formation, the clipped word has the same part of speech as the full form.
Back-formation-The creation of a new word on the mistaken assumption that an existing word must be derived from it. This usually involves the elimination of an apparent affix or inflection, as in the creation of the verb enthuse from enthusiasm. The term is also applied to a word formed in this way. Also called inverse derivation; retrogressive formation.