Unveiling the Surprising Truth Behind Why New Words Are Coined, Not Invented

Ever wondered why we say new words are “coined” instead of simply invented or created? It’s a bit quirky, isn’t it? After all, we invent gadgets, create masterpieces, and discover cures — so why do words get the special treatment? Well, this linguistic oddity has roots that stretch back centuries, entwined with the history of money and that shiny emblem of commerce: the coin. But it’s not just history; it’s also about the subtle dance of language—those collocations that sound just right to our ears. Curious about how “coin a phrase” became the go-to expression for birthing new words, and why it’s stuck around while others fade? Stick with me—I’ll take you through the curious journey of coining words, from mint to metaphor, and why this phrase sounds way more natural than “invent a word,” even if grammatically correct. Ready to unwrap this linguistic nugget? LEARN MORE