Processos velhos, palavras novas: recursos de renovação lexical

Abstract

This paper concerns the process of coining words like “brasiguaio”, “eurocrata” and “diciopédia”, which are called by some linguistics portmanteau words. After discussing the ample and somewhat controversial nomenclature currently in use, the new term palavra síntese [synthetical word] is introduced and a characterization is given of these lexical constructions and the various possible processes of their creation. Special attention is given to the intentional, arbitrary, ephemeral and creative nature of these lexical products. Also an explanation is presented for the remarkable fact that this type of words are so often overlooked by linguistics and lexicographers.