This book is an introduction to modern English word-formation. Using examples from recent texts in fiction, newspapers and other media, the author discusses both regular word-formation types—like prefixation, suffixation, compounding, conversion and neo-classical compounding—and less regular ones like abbreviations and acronyms, clippings, backformation, blends, reduplicative compounds and rhyming slang.

Attention is also drawn to some of the theoretical issues that arise in connection with a description of English word-formation and the way it interfaces with vocabulary and syntax.

All but one of the chapters conclude with exercises involving key issues raised in the text. The final section of the book discusses possible answers to most of the questions.

The book is primarily intended as a textbook for university students of English with little or no previous experience of linguistics. However, it should also be rewarding reading for anyone interested in the vocabulary of today’s English.