Skunked Terms as Part of Language Evolvement
Skunked Terms as Part of Language Evolvement

Summary/Abstract: The present article focuses on the process of language change andmore specifically the evolvement of word meaning through the so-calledskunked words. The term was coined by Bryan A. Garner, a lexicographerwho uses it to refer to words that have developed new meanings, which havebecome so controversial that they are best avoided in writing and speech dueto the risk of being misunderstood. This phenomenon poses significantchallenges for linguists, lexicographers, and language users alike. In thisresearch, we observe skunked words through the lens of corpus linguistics,aiming to shed light on their elusive nature and the dynamics of their usage.By applying corpus linguistic techniques, based on Coca Corpus tools, weoffer insights into the nuanced meanings and connotations of skunked words,highlighting their fluidity and susceptibility to semantic change over time.Furthermore, we discuss strategies for managing the usage of skunked wordsin discourse, emphasizing the importance of context factors and linguisticawareness. This study contributes to the growing body of research onlanguage variation and change, providing a corpus linguistic analysis ofskunked words. Our findings not only enhance our understanding of theselinguistic phenomena but also offer practical guidance for foreign languagelearners striving for clarity and precision in communication.

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