neoterism

American  

[nee-ot-uh-riz-uhm] / niˈɒt əˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. an innovation in language, as a new word, term, or expression.

   Synonyms:

   neologism

2. the use of new words, terms, or expressions.

   Synonyms:

   neologism

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Etymology

Origin of neoterism

1870–75; < Greek neōterismós an attempt to change, equivalent to neōter ( ízein ) to make innovations ( see neoterize) + -ismos -ism

Explanation

A neoterism is a newly coined word, term, or expression. In the context of digital content, the words selfie, podcast, and viral were once neoterisms. Neoterisms are created by people who may not know the already existing word or expression; think they have a better one; or need a term for something that never existed before, like blog. One reason English has such a huge stock of words is that it is very receptive to neoterism, the act or practice of making new words and phrases. Neologism is another, more common word for the same thing. The root of neoterism is the Greek verb neoterizein, meaning "innovate."