Air Quote by Susie Dent
“The truth is that only 1% of all new words are totally new, and of those an even smaller percentage are conjured up out of thin air. The vast majority of coinages are the product of some kind of repurposing, and the result has always been a mix of tradition and innovation.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Language Report, 2014
Most new words are repurposed existing terms, blending tradition with innovation.
In simple terms: New words often remix old ones.
Key Takeaway
Explore language evolution to enrich communication.
Themes
language
innovation
tradition
Mood
educational
inspirational
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marketing
- creative writing
- technology naming
- academic research
Key Concepts
neologisms
semantic shift
cultural influence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape thought?
- What words could you create to express new concepts?
A Different Perspective
Over‑reliance on repurposing can limit truly novel ideas.
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