Word Formation: Blending

Summary

In this engaging video from Ace Linguistics, the concept of blending in linguistics is explored, highlighting its similarity to compounding. Blending involves taking two existing words, shortening them, and merging them into a new term, such as 'brunch' (breakfast + lunch) or 'bit' (binary digit). The video also discusses variations in blending, where one word may remain intact while the other is shortened, as seen in 'breathalyzer.' Additionally, the evolution of blends into suffixes is examined, showcasing terms like 'workaholic' and 'telecast.' Overall, this informative discussion unveils the fascinating dynamics of language formation.

Takeaways

• 😀 Blending is a linguistic process that combines two clipped words to form a new word.
• 😀 Compounding involves combining two or more complete words, while blending focuses on shortened forms.
• 😀 The word 'bit' is a blend of 'binary' and 'digit', showcasing how blending creates new terms.
• 😀 'Brunch' is another example of blending, derived from 'breakfast' and 'lunch'.
• 😀 Some blends, like 'breathalyzer', retain one complete word while shortening another.
• 😀 'Cast' has evolved into a suffix from its original word 'broadcast', appearing in terms like 'newscast'.
• 😀 The term 'workaholic' blends 'work' with the suffix '-aholic', indicating a fixation on work.
• 😀 'Cranapple' illustrates a blend where the first part is clipped and the second part is complete.
• 😀 Other examples of blending include 'broast' (broil + roast) and 'smog' (smoke + fog).
• 😀 Blending can lead to the emergence of new suffixes as seen with 'wexit' (west + exit) in Canadian discussions.

Q & A

What is blending in linguistics?

Blending is a process similar to compounding, where two words are clipped and then combined to create a new word.

Can you provide an example of a blend?

An example of a blend is 'brunch,' which is derived from 'breakfast' and 'lunch.'

What is the origin of the word 'bit' in computing?

'Bit' is a blend of 'binary' and 'digit,' where 'bin' is clipped from 'binary' and 'it' is from 'digit.'

How does blending differ from traditional compounding?

In blending, the original words are shortened before being combined, whereas compounding typically uses the full forms of the words.

What makes 'breathalyzer' an interesting example of blending?

'Breathalyzer' blends 'breath' (which is not shortened) and 'analyzer' (which is clipped to 'lyzer'), showcasing variation in blending.

What is the significance of the suffix 'cast' as mentioned in the transcript?

'Cast' has become a common suffix in words like 'newscast' and 'sportscast,' originating from the word 'broadcast.'

What does the term 'workaholic' illustrate about blending?

'Workaholic' combines 'work' (not shortened) with '-aholic' (derived from 'alcoholic'), demonstrating how blends can evolve.

Can blending create new suffixes?

Yes, blending can lead to the emergence of new suffixes, as seen with the suffix 'cast' from 'broadcast.'

What is an example of a blend where one part is complete and the other is shortened?

'Cranapple' is a blend of 'cranberry' (shortened) and 'apple' (complete), illustrating the versatility of blending.

What does 'Brexit' represent in the context of blending?

'Brexit' is a blend of 'Britain' and 'exit,' indicating how blending can also capture significant political events.