clipping

n. the shortening of a word in such a way that the new word is used with exactly the same meaning, for example, exam from examination. In general, adults prefer back-clipping, for example, prof for professor, whereas children prefer front-clipping, for example, fessor for professor. Unlike a back-formation, the clipped word has the same part of speech as the full form.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

battle of the experts

a scenario in which expert witnesses from opposing sides of a legal dispute disagree over an issue that has to be decided to resolve the dispute. Such contradictory testimony is often of little help to the judge or jury in reaching a decision in the case.