04 AK Columns Writer’s Tips – Word Booster – Inventive Words, Olivia
By: Olivia Pineda, Assistant Editor
Occasionally, someone will come up with a word on their own that becomes so commonly used that they’ve merited their own entry in the dictionary! Take a look at these words that are “inventive words”:
Muggle (n.) a person without magical powers
This word was invented by J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series.
Google (v.) to search for something on the internet
This word, first the title of the search engine Google, quickly became used as a word to describe searching on the internet.
Supersize (v.) to increase the size or portion of
McDonald’s invented this word to describe how a customer could increase the size of their meal while eating there.
Ollie (n.) a no-handed skateboard trick that one does in the air
This move was invented by Alan “Ollie” Gelfand in 1978.
Staycation (n.) the action of vacationing at home
This word, invented by a Canadian comedian, became increasingly popular in 2008 as more and more people began to stay at home during their vacations.
Vuvuzela (n.) a blowing horn, about one meter in length
This word became popular when many fans used vuvuzelas throughout the soccer World Cup in South Africa in 2010.
Netbook (n.) a small, light laptop
This word came into existence just around the time that laptops were becoming more modern and popular.
Sock puppet (n.) a puppet made with a sock
Just as handicrafts were becoming popular in the 1950’s, so were sock puppets.
Threequel (n.) the third book, film, event, etc. in a series
This word was first used in 1983, combining the words “three” and “sequel”.
