The Use of Clipped Words and Blend Words in Four Online Fashion Magazines: Elle, Vogue, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan

Ivona Šetka-Čilić

This paper examines word formation processes and their role in shaping contemporary usage of the English language. More specifically, it focuses on two minor word-formation processes that have recently gained significant popularity due to the need for fast and efficient communication: clipping and blending. Although traditionally classified as minor processes, their frequent use—particularly among younger populations—highlights their growing importance in the creation of new lexical items in modern English.

The increasing dominance of online communication has further amplified the relevance of these processes, especially in digital media contexts. The central hypothesis of this study is that clipped words and blend words are commonly used in online fashion magazines written in English. To test this hypothesis, four online fashion magazines—Elle, Vogue, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan—were selected for analysis.

The findings confirm the hypothesis, demonstrating that clipping and blending are extensively employed in online fashion journalism and play a significant role in contemporary word formation. However, it is important to note that the results cannot be fully generalized, as the analysis was limited to a selected number of magazines. Nevertheless, the study provides valuable insight into the use and significance of these word-formation processes in present-day English and offers a solid foundation for future research in this field.