A neologism is a word, term, or phrase which has been recently created ("coined") — often to apply to new concepts, to synthesize pre-existing concepts, or to make older terminology sound more contemporary.

 

Neologisms are especially useful in identifying inventions, new phenomena, or old ideas which have taken on a new context. An example from the Washington Post’s monthly contest: A child asks one of his parents a question. The answer he gets is a resounding no. But rather than accept the verdict, the child immediately finds the other parent and asks the same question. This try-your-luck-again maneuver is called... (The winning coinage: "Parentgrination. " That’s a delicious fusion of "parent" and "peregrination," or the tendency to wander. )

 

 

One of the most frequently asked questions of the Water Bureau is, "Why do we need to conserve water? It rains all the time." What do you call this justification?

 

Contest Rules: the contest is open to anyone (you do not need to be a Portland Water Bureau employee). One entry per person. Submit entries to sbott@water.ci.portland.or.us .

 

Deadline for entry is February 22, 5pm. Administrator David Shaff will select the winner.

 

Sarah Bott

Community Outreach/Public Involvement