Stylistics
Nonce word
A nonce word (individual-authorial neologism) is a word created by a writer for a single use in a concrete context, outside of which it usually does not function. Unlike general-linguistic neologisms that enter the dictionary, a nonce word remains a property of the authorial style, retaining a palpable novelty and individuality. Nonce words arise from a bold word-formative search and serve as a means of intensifying an image, condensing an emotion, creating an unexpected associative effect. They are especially characteristic of the poetry of the avant-garde and Modernism with their cult of linguistic experiment; vivid nonce words were created by Pavlo Tychyna, Mykola Bazhan and the Futurist poets. The nonce word demonstrates the creative, generative potential of language and the limits of its word-formative possibilities, which makes it an important object of stylistics.
Compare “Nonce word” with another term
Meaning, origins and distinction — side by side.
Distinction
Both are new words, but differ in fate. A general-linguistic neologism arises in the language to name a new concept and, once it spreads, LOSES its novelty and enters the dictionary. A nonce word (individual-authorial neologism) is created by a writer for a SINGLE use in a concrete context and remains a property of the authorial style, keeping palpable novelty. The first becomes shared; the second stays forever the author's.
