lexiconization

Lexiconization is a linguistic process whereby a frequently used sequence of words or morphemes becomes a single lexical unit. This means that the phrase or compound is recognized and stored in the mental lexicon as a distinct item, rather than being analyzed and generated anew each time it is used. The new lexical unit often develops a meaning that is not simply the sum of its parts, a phenomenon known as idiomaticity. For example, the phrase "kick the bucket" has been lexiconized to mean "to die," a meaning not directly deducible from the individual words.

The process of lexiconization can occur over time through repeated use. Phrases that are common in everyday communication are more likely to undergo lexiconization. This can lead to the creation of new words or compound words in a language. For instance, the English word "butterfly" likely originated from a combination of "butter" and "fly" which became a single unit representing a specific insect. Grammatical changes can also accompany lexiconization, such as the loss of the ability to analyze the internal structure of the lexiconized unit or the insertion of other words within it.

Lexiconization is a fundamental mechanism in language change and evolution, contributing to the efficiency and expressiveness of a language. It allows speakers to access and produce complex meanings more rapidly by treating familiar phrases as single units. This process is not limited to individual words but can also apply to larger grammatical constructions that become conventionalized and reanalyzed as single concepts.