Semantic shift
When a word undergoes this type of shift, it becomes more positive than its prior meaning, e.g. dead, dying
What is amelioration?
merch, short for merchandise or unc, short for uncle
What is a clip/clipping?
A dialect of English in which users pronounce "ask" as "aks"
What is AAVE or AAE (African American English)?
This conversational maxim means that people should be truthful in conversation; they should also avoid extreme exaggeration.
What is the maxim of quality?
How we actually use language rather than how we're "supposed to" use language.
What is descriptive language/grammar?
When a word undergoes this type of shift, it becomes more negative than its prior meaning, e.g. cooked
What is pejoration?
rage bait or lowkey
What is compounding?
Systematic phonological variation or pronunciation
What is accent?
This maxim dictates that we should not give too much or too little information in conversation,
What is the maxim of quantity?
The study of word formation processes--prefixes, suffixes, compounds, clips, blends, acronyms
What is morphology?
When a word's meaning becomes less powerful or weaker over time, e.g. lol, literally.
What is weakening?
hangry=hungry+angry
What is a blend?
A social and regional variety spoken within a language, e.g. AAVE. When referring to more than one, they are mutually intelligible.
What is dialect?
Using more formal language and punctuation in texting; avoiding popular slang terms; writing really long text messages.
What are generational differences in slang and digital communication?
A set of rules that dictate how language should be used according to grammar books and really uptight language “experts.” In this perspective, there is good and bad English.
What is prescriptive grammar?
When a word's meaning becomes more general or broader than its historically earlier form, e.g. bro
What is broadening?
Diddy or Diddy party; Eptsteins' island
What is an eponym?
When a speaker combines two languages or two dialects within one utterance.
What is codeswitching or styleshifting?
These are linguistic or iconic pieces of language that do things. They might include emojis, punctuation, memes, and more.
What are discourse markers?
The articulation and perception of speech sounds; that is, the sounds we hear and the sounds we produce.
What is phonology?
When a word's meaning becomes less general or narrower than its prior meaning.
What is narrowing?
GOAT or GAF
What is an acronym?
Linguistic traits unique to an individual, sometimes referred to as personal dialects. This can reflect their pronunciation, grammar, and style.
What is idiolect?
“People in New York are rude.” “Southerners are polite but stupid.” “Texans talk too slow.”
What are common stereotypes about regional variation or dialects?
The study of sentence formation.
What is syntax?