Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

skunked term

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 1.75 in modern English

Syllables: skunked term
IPA

22

Scrabble Score

11

Letters

1

Syllables

9

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A word that becomes difficult to use because it is transitioning from one meaning to another. Purists may insist on the old usage, while descriptivists are more open to newer usages.

Example Sentences

"It isn't a skunked term, but it's gradually becoming something like one."
"When the skunked term has a different meaning, it's given in parentheses."

Etymology

Coined by American lawyer, lexicographer, and teacher Bryan A. Garner, and since adopted by some other style guides.

Inflected Forms

skunked terms (plural)

Questions

What does skunked term mean?: A word that becomes difficult to use because it is transitioning from one meaning to another. Purists may insist on the old usage, while descriptivists are more open to newer usages.
Where does skunked term come from?: Coined by American lawyer, lexicographer, and teacher Bryan A. Garner, and since adopted by some other style guides.

How to pronounce skunked term

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