This paper examines the functions of synonym-based blends in modern slang language. The objective of this work is to argue tentatively that synonym-based blends in contemporary "slanguage" serve a productive function and are not redundant in their meaning by validating the functions established by Benczes (2014) with a particular focus on synonym-based slang blends.
In English morphological literature, the term "tautological compound" is used to refer to two phenomena: For one, compounds composed of a hyponym and a superordinate term (e.g., oak tree); and secondly, compounds based upon two synonymous units (e.g., subject matter). It is commonly considered a word-formation that is redundant in its meaning and serves no semantical functions. This concept has recently been challenged by a study demonstrating that tautological compounds are far from being redundant. Much like tautological compounds, there is an abundance of slang blends in the contemporary English language whose word formation appears redundant and tautological at face value.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Tautological compounds and their functions
- Hyponym-Superordinate compounds - Categorization
- Hyponym-Superordinate compounds - Upgrading concepts
- Synonymous compounds – Emphasis
- Material & Methods
- Results & Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine the functions of synonym-based blends in modern slang language. The author argues that such blends, often perceived as redundant, serve a productive function and are not redundant in meaning. The paper validates functions established by Benczes (2014) with a particular focus on synonym-based slang blends.
- The non-redundant nature of tautological compounds
- The functions of synonym-based blends in contemporary slang language
- The semantic innovation and evolution of slang
- The relationship between traditional compounding and synonym-based blending
- The role of redundancy in language and communication
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Chapter 1 introduces the concept of tautological compounds, which refer to compounds composed of a hyponym and a superordinate term (e.g., oak tree) or two synonymous units (e.g., subject matter). It discusses the common perception of tautological compounds as redundant and explores the argument that they can serve important functions.
Chapter 2 explores the functions of tautological compounds as defined by Benczes (2014). It differentiates between Hyponym-Superordinate compounds and Synonymous compounds and highlights their respective roles in categorization, upgrading concepts, and emphasis.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts of this work include: tautological compounds, synonym-based blends, contemporary slang, redundancy, semantic function, morphological innovation, lexical innovation, blending, emphasis, categorization, upgrading, and contemporary English.
- Quote paper
- Leyla Beyer (Author), 2022, Tautological Compounds in contemporary "slanguage". The (non-) redundancy of synonym-based blends, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1319068
