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How to Invent New Words and Make Them Official in Scrabble

Language is a living, evolving entity. Throughout history, new words have emerged, shaped by culture, technology, and social trends. The way we communicate today differs vastly from how people spoke a century ago, thanks to the introduction of new terminology. 

For word lovers, there’s something particularly thrilling about creating a new word. But what if you could take it one step further? What if your invented word could become official—not just in common usage, but in the revered Scrabble dictionary? 

This article explores the fascinating process of inventing words, getting them recognized in the dictionary, and ultimately making them eligible for Scrabble. If you've ever dreamed of seeing your own word played in a championship Scrabble game, read on! 

Section 1: The Evolution of Language and New Words

1.1 How New Words Enter Everyday Use

Languages evolve as people create new ways to express ideas, emotions, and cultural shifts. Words emerge from everyday interactions, and some stick because they fill a linguistic gap. Some words originate from necessity, while others gain traction through pop culture and technology. 

For example, consider the word selfie. Just a few decades ago, the idea of taking a picture of oneself was common, but the word selfie itself wasn’t widely used. Today, it’s so ingrained in language that it has been added to major dictionaries and is recognized internationally. 

Similarly, hangry—a blend of hungry and angry—describes the irritation people feel when they haven't eaten. This word, once seen as slang, is now widely accepted in everyday language and even found its place in dictionaries. 

New words enter common use through consistent repetition across media, conversation, and publications. But what does it take for a word to move beyond daily conversation and into the formal lexicon?

1.2 The Role of Pop Culture and Technology

Pop culture and technology play crucial roles in word invention and adoption. Movies, TV shows, memes, and online communities serve as powerful tools for introducing new words into society.

For example, consider the word google. Originally, Google was just the name of a company. But as more people used it to describe searching for information online, it became a verb—“to google something.” Today, google is an official dictionary word.

Another example is YOLO (You Only Live Once), which gained popularity in the early 2010s through music and social media. Though originally a slang term, its widespread usage ensured its place in linguistic history.

These examples demonstrate how new words can emerge organically through cultural influence. If you want to create a new word, leveraging media, technology, and social conversations can help propel it into widespread use.

Section 2: The Science and Art of Word Creation

2.1 Methods to Invent New Words

Creating a new word is both an art and a science. While some words emerge accidentally, many follow linguistic patterns. Here are some of the most common techniques for inventing words: 

• Blending: Combining parts of two words to create a new one (e.g., brunch = breakfast + lunch). 
• Compounding: Merging two whole words into one (e.g., laptop = lap + top). 
• Acronyms & Abbreviations: Forming words from initials (e.g., GIF = Graphics Interchange Format). 
• Borrowing from Other Languages: Adapting foreign words into English (e.g., emoji from Japanese). 
• Onomatopoeia & Playful Coinage: Creating words that mimic sounds or have a fun ring to them (e.g., bling, zoodle). 

By using one or more of these methods, you can craft a word that feels natural and useful.

2.2 Ensuring Your Word is Useful and Recognizable

For a new word to gain traction, it must be: 

• Easy to pronounce: If a word is too difficult to say, people won’t adopt it. 
• Clearly defined: A word needs a distinct meaning to be useful. 
• Versatile: Words that can be used in different contexts are more likely to be embraced. 
• Repeated across different platforms: The more exposure your word gets, the more likely it is to stick. 

Section 3: How Words Get Added to the Dictionary 

3.1 The Role of Lexicographers and Linguists

Lexicographers are the people who study and curate words for dictionaries. They analyze language trends by looking at books, media, and online discussions to determine which words are gaining popularity and longevity. 

3.2 Criteria for a Word’s Acceptance 

To be added to a dictionary, a word must meet several key criteria: 

• Widespread usage: It should appear frequently in print, speech, and digital media. 
• Sustained presence: It must be used consistently over time, not just as a passing trend. 
• Clear meaning: It must have a specific, recognizable definition. 

If a word meets these criteria, lexicographers may consider adding it to the dictionary. Once it enters a major dictionary, it becomes eligible for Scrabble. 

Section 4: The Scrabble Dictionary and Its Rules

4.1 How Words Are Added to Scrabble's Official Word List

Scrabble dictionaries, such as the Merriam-Webster Official Scrabble Players Dictionary and Collins Scrabble Words, update their lists based on recognized dictionaries. The governing bodies that oversee Scrabble's word lists look at changes in established dictionaries to determine which words to add. 

4.2 Recent Additions to the Scrabble Dictionary 

Some recent words added to Scrabble include: 

• Vax (short for vaccine) 
• Deepfake (a digitally altered image or video) 
• Jedi (from Star Wars, recognized as a noun) 

This shows that words from pop culture, technology, and current events can make their way into the Scrabble lexicon. 

Section 5: Steps to Get Your Invented Word Into Scrabble

5.1 Start by Making Your Word Popular

• Use it consistently in conversation, social media, and writing. 
• Get friends, influencers, and online communities to adopt it. 

5.2 Document and Publish Your Word

• Submit your word to online dictionaries like Wiktionary and Urban Dictionary. 
• Use it in blogs, books, and research articles to create a documented history. 

5.3 Wait for It to Enter a Major Dictionary

• Track how frequently your word is used in print and digital media. 
• Submit examples of its use to dictionary publishers when applicable. 

5.4 Campaign for Scrabble Inclusion

• Engage with Scrabble communities and forums. 
• Submit the word to organizations that oversee Scrabble dictionaries. 

Conclusion

Inventing a word and getting it recognized officially is an exciting challenge. While the process is long and requires persistence, it is entirely possible. By ensuring your word is useful, gaining widespread usage, and getting it into dictionaries, you increase its chances of being included in Scrabble. 

Language is always evolving, and new words emerge every year. With creativity, strategy, and patience, your invented word could one day be played in a Scrabble tournament. Start coining words today—you might just change the future of language!