Neologisms in modern english mass-media

Abstract

The article explores the phenomenon of neologisms in modern English mass-media as an essential reflection of linguistic and social change. It outlines the purpose of studying neologisms within lexicology courses for future teachers of English, emphasizing their role in developing linguistic awareness and adaptability. Drawing on the works of both Ukrainian and foreign scholars, the paper reviews theoretical approaches to defining and classifying neologisms and identifies the principal mechanisms of word-formation, including affixation, compounding, blending, conversion, abbreviation, and semantic shift. Special attention is paid to the impact of digital media, where new lexical units appear with unprecedented frequency, reflecting current sociocultural and technological trends. The article highlights the main difficulties in studying and teaching neologisms, such as their ephemeral nature, semantic ambiguity, methodological inconsistency, and challenges of lexicographic standardization. It concludes that the analysis of media neologisms enriches students’ understanding of the dynamic nature of English and prepares future educators to teach a living, evolving language. By integrating neology into lexicology and teaching practice, educators can foster linguistic creativity, critical thinking, and cultural competence among learners.

Key words: neologisms; mass-media discourse; English lexicology; wordformation; linguistic innovation; digital communication; language change.