We also use initials a lot. An abbreviation of a phrase may become a word in English. Sometimes the initials form a pronounceable or nearly pronounceable acronym . One of us is bound to be in a hurry. Blending Let's take a closer look at these four means of adding to the lexical base of English, beginning with blends.
Blends are actually a common type of speech error.
When we search our mental lexicons for words, we often come upon two words with the same meaning that are pronounced similarly. Because human beings are so quick at speaking, sometimes we have to use one of these words before we are finished choosing which one to use. Let me show you what I mean. The speaker checks his or her mental lexicons and comes up with two words of exactly the same length, beginning with the same sound, ending on the same suffix, and having the same meaning. This example actually happened as was recorded.