## [Five new words for tech buffs](/en/blogue-blog/mordus-technos-tech-buffs-eng) Posted on February 28, 2019 Written by [Marc-André Descôteaux (About the author)](/en/blogue-blog/mordus-technos-tech-buffs-eng#auteur-author) ![](/sites/default/files/billet-neologismes-techno_376x250.png) Do you remember when the words “modem” and “diskette” were brand new? Then, when the Internet came into our lives, we quickly adopted “downloading” and “email.” More recently, with the spread of smart phones, the terms “texting” and “selfie” have become part of our everyday vocabulary. English speakers regularly create new words (called “neologisms”) to designate new realities. That’s why language is a living organism! In my post, I’ll introduce you to a few neologisms that are related to new technology. ## Keeping it short In a fast-paced world, who has time to read or write lengthy posts or messages? Sometimes we just want to post a picture, share a funny video or tell our friends how we’re feeling. Well, there are apps for that: Twitter, Tumblr, Reddit, Instagram, just to name a few. Putting brief texts, photos, hyperlinks, audio files, etc., on such platforms is called [microblogging](https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&codom2nd_wet=1&srchtxt=microblogging&index=alt). TERMIUM Plus®, the Government of Canada’s terminology and linguistic data bank, defines the term as “the act of posting and sharing short messages online.” It’s also spelled “micro-blogging.” ## Too much information Faced with the massive amounts of information available on the Internet, we can end up feeling overwhelmed. When the amount of information we receive is so excessive that it becomes difficult or even impossible to process, we suffer from information overload, also called [infobesity](https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=infobesity&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1). This amusing blend word, formed from “information” and “obesity,” reminds us of the importance of taking in information selectively … and sparingly! ## Too many options You’ve almost certainly had an experience like this: You start reading an article on a given subject such as, say, electricity. You click on a link, and then another, and another. After a while, you find yourself reading the lyrics of a song by Justin Bieber. How in the world did you get there? Well, you’ve been [wilfing](https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=wilfing&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1), that is, wandering from link to link on the Internet to the point where you’ve forgotten the goal of your initial search. The word comes from the acronym “WILF,” which stands for “What was I looking for?” ## From pen name to alias Throughout history, for various reasons, writers have chosen to publish under a false name to conceal their identity. The act of assuming a false or fictitious name, especially in writing, is known as [pseudonymity](https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=pseudonymity&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1). Today, on the web, identities disguised by aliases, or pseudonyms, have become quite common. Pseudonymity is part of our daily experience as Internet users. ## Let’s play Do you know the word [gamification](https://www.btb.termiumplus.gc.ca/tpv2alpha/alpha-eng.html?lang=eng&i=1&srchtxt=gamification&index=alt&codom2nd_wet=1)? It’s formed from the word “game” and refers to the use of game mechanics in a situation other than a game, to make an activity more entertaining to users or accomplish a goal. What does this definition mean in practical terms? When a forum gives you a bronze, silver or gold status depending on the number of posted messages, or when a site gives you a “badge” or “sticker” for helping other users or reaching a milestone, that’s gamification in action. Inspired by video games, this technique encourages you to write more, to contribute more, to be a better web citizen! Are you as fascinated as I am by the creativity of English speakers and by new English words? If so, I’d like you to share some neologisms with me. Send me your words in the comments section, and don’t forget to include their definitions! --- Adapted by Line Lalande, Language Portal of Canada ## Disclaimer The opinions expressed in posts and comments published on the Our Languages blog are solely those of the authors and commenters and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Language Portal of Canada. - [Leave a comment](#article-comments) - [Read the comments (0) ](#comments) ## Get to know Marc-André Descôteaux ![Marc-André Descôteaux](/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/marc-andre-descoteaux.png?itok=7Flteu7Z) ### Marc-André Descôteaux A translator and reviser for about 20 years, Marc-André Descôteaux has been interested in the web since the days of the 2400-baud modem. Insatiably curious, he is passionate about culture, travel and language. ## More posts by Marc-André Descôteaux - [Bonjour my friend!: Promoting Canada’s linguistic duality](/en/blogue-blog/tournee-bonjour-my-friend-tour-eng) - [A conversation with Patrick Chan and Caroline Savoie, spokespersons for the 2019 Rendez-vous de la Francophonie](/en/blogue-blog/porte-parole-conversation-spokepersons-rvf2019-eng) - [Views on bilingualism from 5 Canada 150 Ambassadors](/en/blogue-blog/ambassadeurs-canada150-ambassadors-eng) - [Food for thought: Exploring the origins of culinary terms](/en/blogue-blog/mots-culinaires-culinary-terms-eng) - [10 interesting facts on translation and translators](/en/blogue-blog/faits-traduction-translation-facts-eng) ## Search by related themes Looking for more blog posts on the same themes? Click on the links below to see all the posts on the Our Languages blog that relate to the theme you selected. 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