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ghost word - an accidental word form never in established usage
There is an important principle enshrined here which I think goes to the heart of the matter. We can agree that there are putative or potential words - forms of representation that seem to be possible constructions to carry meaning, even if we know not the meaning yet... but it is not until there is established usage in a speech community that it becomes recognisable as a word. Hence we can all come up with witty coinages that seem to represent a possible transfer of meaning, but it will not be a word until given currency by use.
How large or sustained that community of users needs to be I am happy to leave to OEDipus Rex :)
Moderated by Jackie
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