Libfixes, Diving Boards, and Generosity
Send us Fan Mail
Word of the Episode: Libfix
Definition: A “libfix” is a liberated suffix—when part of a word (often mistaken as a suffix) gets reanalyzed and reused as a suffix for other words.
Examples:
-gate (from Watergate): now used to mean “scandal” (e.g., Pizzagate, Elsagate).
-core (from hardcore): extended to music genres or aesthetics (metalcore, cottagecore, tropicore in Animal Crossing).
-holic (from alcoholic): becomes workaholic, shopaholic.
-cation (from vacation): staycation, workcation.
-punk (from cyberpunk): steampunk, dieselpunk, etc.
Etymology: Libfix = “liberated…
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.