We invited you to invent a word. Not just any word. A word you think will greatly enhance the English language.
Interestingly, there are words that mean “invented words”; the fancy word is neologism (invented by Thomas Jefferson) and the informal word is sniglet (invented by Rich Hall).
You were asked to create the word, define it, and use it in a sentence.
Here we present the winner and finalists:
WINNER
Doddlenodding
A physical action of agreement for when you’ve asked a question multiple times, but still not understood the answer. Often characterized by smiling politely or gentle nodding to cover up embarrassment or confusion.
After asking how to make a sourdough starter three times, and still not understanding the baker’s answer through her mask, Dan stood there doddlenodding.
Carina Gaspar
Toronto, Canada
FINALISTS
Homefooling
To pretend to do schoolwork remotely while in reality playing Fortnite or watching TikTok.
Jack I see you got an F on your English test, have you been homefooling again.
Jack Wheeler
London, United Kingdom
Ambidistant
The feeling of something being close, yet incredibly far away.
The end of the COVID-19 pandemic felt ambidistant.
Rebecca Latham
Stoke on Trent, United Kingdom
Delivelusion
A psychological condition whereby the sufferer believes the only way to acquire goods or services is by delivery.
People suffering from delivelusion won’t even pull over for gas.
Larry Fowler
Plainfield, New Jersey
Vircessorize
To decorate only the area visible during a virtual conference call.
I vircessorized my background with wallpaper, a potted plant, and a stack of books that make me look smart.
Delores Thompson
Decatur, Georgia
Gruetisserie
A constantly rotating display/collection of gruesome images intended to appeal to people.
Some of us would consider the news in 2020 to be nothing more than a gruetisserie.
Ryan Beattie
Calgary, Canada
