When does a word become a word?

Question

Just when sociably accepted?

Answer 1

probably, I woke up thinking about you, well not YOU, but Tea4one you, this morning; how wierd has Y!A made me?

Answer 2

I guess it depends on the language and dialect but in English a word has to make it in to the dictionary to be classed as a proper word. I think this is utter codswallop and a word should be accepted if you can utter it and just one other person can understand it's meaning! After all words are just one way of communicating, and if you can get your point across, then surely it qualifies as language regardless of it's dictionary status...

Answer 3

I suppose that common use is the ultimate determinant.
Note that even the word-snobs at OED will eventually break down and accept neologisms, colloquialisms and inaccurate-but-common usages into their hallowed lexicon.

Answer 4

I have been petitioning the Oxford English Dictionary people to make

"f'tang-f'tang-ole-biscuit-barrel"

into a word for a while now...they are not budging at all, although one of them has dropped it into conversation a couple of times..

Hypocrites

Answer 5

A word becomes a word when you speak it to someone who knows what it means. I think. Sounds good, right?

Answer 6

When it makes sense & becomes part of the dictionary....

unless you live in back hills country...lol...then you have your own lingo!!

Answer 7

I think when enough people pick up on it and use it everyday.

Answer 8

When everyone starts using it i guess

Answer 9

true
It pisses the **** out of me but this is just how it works

Answer 10

try
www.wordsmith.com