Exploring the Lexicon: Is 'Whittle' a Real Word?

Have you ever encountered the word 'whittle' and wondered if it really exists in the English lexicon? Sometimes, a word can sound so similar to a more familiar term that one might assume it's a misspelling or a made-up word. Similarly, 'phubbing' might seem odd to some, leading to questions like, 'Is phubbing a real word?' In this article, we'll delve into the nature of real words, explore the concept of 'whittle,' and discuss the modern term 'phubbing.'

Is 'Whittle' a Real Word?

At first glance, 'whittle' seems suspiciously similar to the word 'cheese,' leading to a quick guess that it might just be a simple misspelling. However, 'whittle' is indeed a real word with a unique and specific meaning. It comes from the semantic blend of 'whittle, ' meaning to whittle (to chop or carve with a knife) and 'cheese' (in the context of a small piece of something).

Derivation and Usage

The word 'whittle' is used primarily in terms of carving or cutting away small pieces of wood or other materials with a knife. For example:

He spent the whole afternoon whittling away at the piece of wood to make a small car.

This usage of 'whittle' is quite versatile and extends to phrases like 'whittle away' meaning to gradually reduce or make more manageable, as in:

It will take some time, but with consistent effort, you can whittle away at the debt.

Is 'Phubbing' a Real Word?

Just as 'whittle' seems like a made-up word, 'phubbing' might seem just as dubious. However, 'phubbing' is a real and increasingly common term. It was coined as part of a campaign by the Macquarie Dictionary to describe a particular social phenomenon where one ignores a conversation in favor of their mobile phone.

Definition and Etymology

Phubbing is a blend of 'phone' and 'snubbing.' Here are some key points about this word:

Definition:

Phubbing refers to the habit of ignoring a social conversation or interaction to focus on one’s mobile phone.

Usage:

To phub is to engage in phubbing.

Present Participle:

Phubbing is used as both a verb and a noun to describe the act of snubbing someone due to preoccupation with one’s phone.

The term 'phubbing' has gained global traction, appearing in various media and being popularized through campaigns like Stop Phubbing by McCann.

Examples of Phubbing in Action

At the dinner table, John was so engrossed in his phone that he barely paid attention to the conversation.

Carmen noticed her friend’s constant phubbing during their movie, and it was affecting their overall enjoyment.

Nonsense and Real Words

Words like 'whittle' and 'phubbing' may not fit into the strictest definitions of 'real words,' but they certainly add to the richness and versatility of language. In the context of Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poem 'Jabberwocky,' many words like 'galumph' and 'chortle' were initially considered absurd, yet as they have been used and understood, they have become accepted parts of the English lexicon.

Conclusion

Language is constantly evolving, and words that initially appear as jargon or gibberish can become deeply integrated into our everyday communication. Understanding the nature of 'whittle' and 'phubbing' can offer a peek into the dynamic and ever-changing nature of real words in our language.

References

Muntean, T. (2019). How Phubbing Became a Real Word. Macquarie Dictionary Blog. Stop Phubbing Campaign (McCann). Retrieved from