Coined my own new word: Neoverbaphobia (Neo + verba + phobia): Fear of new words
Learned that Webster’s had allowed a “fake” word to slip in: Dord. (How can a word be fake if it’s used to represent itself?)
A plethora of discussion has ensued over it–everything from “keep it” to “I prefer (nose in the air) Oxford’s for this very reason” (meaning Oxford’s would never allow the admission of having admitted a fake word).
Could not find a word for “fear of new words.” Found “sesquipedalophobia”–a fear of long words–but nothing about those who fear new words. I know people who do fear new words–fear not understanding them or the context of the conversation and fear of saying them incorrectly. Perhaps someone was afraid to coin a new word to represent this fear. After all, it’s only evident to those suffering from it (or those forced to suffer with them).
tlj