Nicheless & Loving It #89

March 25, 2024

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Feedback is welcome. Just hit reply. Email: shadowspub@shadowspublishing.com

Greetings

Part of March has been surrendered to sspinning my wheels when it comes to productivity. It feels like I’ve been busy every day but my output of content has been down.

I can choose to let it drag me down or shake it off and push forward. I’m going for the shake it off. Spring is almost here and along with it is a new energy in the air. I’m going to grab some of that.

This is Holy Week leading up to Easter next Sunday. Taking some time to be reflective is appropriate, no matter what your beliefs may be.

Hope you have a great week.

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Quote of the Week

"Language is not an abstract construction of the learned, or of dictionary makers, but is something arising out of the work, needs, ties, joys, affections, tastes, of long generations of humanity, and has its bases broad and low, close to the ground." - Noah Webster

Featured Post:

Neologisms Bring Life to Our Language

I start every day creating an image from a single word. I work with them until I produce a visual representation. Some days, it’s a challenge.

Occasionally, the word is a ‘neologism’. Sounds like a made up word. All words are initially made up. When they get used enough to enter the language, they usually get listed in a dictionary.

Language has a way of moving around. Neologisms are used to describe the introduction and use of new words. Not all neologisms make it into the dictionary. Hundreds of new words enter the English language each year. Most fade quickly away.

Neologism derives from the Greek, neo, meaning ‘new’ and logos, meaning ‘word’. A neologism is literally a “new word”. Neologism entered the English language around 1800 after being borrowed from the French “néologisme”. The French term was derived from the Greek.

Many newly coined terms are in use without entering a dictionary. There are several reasons why this happens:

• Time - It can be years before a widely used term is considered to have the staying power to be included.
• Dialect / Slang - Neologisms often arise in local dialects, slang and on the internet and may not initially be considered for dictionary inclusion.
• Specialized Fields - Many neologisms are created in science, tech, business etc. are jargon before being more widely used.
• Creative Expressions - new words are often coined by writers, artists and influencers, they catch on before either fading away or being included in a dictionary.

Let’s have a look at some neologisms you might recognize:

• Hangry (hungry + angry) - Coined to describe the angry/irritable feeling caused by being too hungry. First seen online in the 2000s.
• Glamping (glamorous + camping) - Referring to luxury camping with amenities. Emerged in the early 1990s in the UK.
• Frenemy (friend + enemy) - Someone who is a mix of friend and rival. Originated around the 1950s-1970s.
• Double-double - A coffee order specifying two creams and two sugars, popularized by Tim Hortons.
• Stagette - A bachelorette party, derived from the word “stag” for a bachelor party.
• Serviette - The French-Canadian word used in English for a paper napkin.
• Mansplain - To explain something condescendingly, typically a man to a woman. Coined around 2008.
• Earworm - A catchy tune or melody that gets stuck repetitively in one’s mind. Popular since the 1990s.
• Hashtag - A keyword preceded by a hash (#) to categorize content on social media platforms like Twitter. Coined in the late 2000s.
• Truthiness - The quality of stating ideas one wishes were true, regardless of facts. Popularized by comedian Stephen Colbert in the 2000s.
• Freemium - A business model offering basic services for free while charging for premium features. Popular in the software/app industry since the 2000s.

In our constantly evolving world, it’s good to know that the language develops with it. Communicating effectively is a constant struggle. Imagine how hard it would be if we couldn’t shape the language we use to communicate with.

Published:

​Playing With Midjourney Style Reference Images​
The latest version of Midjourney, version 6, has introduced a style reference parameter. It allows you to use one image to create new images in the same style. I’ve played with it a bit and thought I’d take some time with it today.

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​Who Shared at PYPT on March 21st?
Pimp Your Post Thursday (PYPT) is a live content curation show happening every Thursday at noon Eastern in the DreemPort Discord. Some great discussions take place during the shows. Anyone who creates content anywhere can share it on PYPT—community matters. PYPT is a community you’re welcome to drop into.

Podcast:

​The Rise of Slashies Embracing Nichelessness – Ep 4​
Join us on “The Nicheless Narrative” as we delve into the world of nicheless creativity. In this episode, host ShadowsPub shares their journey of breaking free from conventional niches to embrace a multifaceted creative life. Discover how embracing your diverse interests can lead to fulfillment and innovation. We also discuss the rise of ‘slashies’ and the importance of community for nicheless creatives. Tune in to be inspired to follow your own unique creative path.

A Final Thought

"The richness of the English language is in its propensity to be pushed, pulled, and perverted in the service of poetry, puns, and a wide range of humor." - James Geary

Take care and be safe, everyone.

ShadowsPub