Erin McKean: Go ahead, make up new words!

The video discusses the role of a lexicographer and the collective decision-making process in determining what constitutes a word. It explains the difference between natural grammar rules and usage, encouraging creativity in word creation. The speaker outlines six methods for creating new words in English: borrowing from other languages, compounding, blending, functional shift, back formation, and acronyms. The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to create and submit new words to Wordnik.

What is compounding in the context of word formation?

Describe the process of functional shift as a way to create new words.

Why does the speaker encourage the creation of new words?