Someone makes a new word:
Coming on the heels of our discussion of gender-neutral yo, I just got this email on a linguistics discussion list that I belong to (and which I edited for brevity -- he does go on a bit):Hello;
I would like to submit a request that I be given official recognition, as the architect of an original word; could anyone advise me as to the procedure in having a word considered as legitimate, in English reference.
"Healthscare" is a new age fraud tactic, or for many a reality formed of highly efficient advertising campaigns of health based promotional lobby interests. Healthscare describes the actions of presenting information in linguistically deceptive terms, which appear to be rational in the short term. Fear which empowers legislative actions based in the fear [or appearance thereof] presented alone. The much cited term "there is no safe level" offers no real information, instead it offers only fear and apprehension. Oft times with devastating circumstances. ...
I first coined term Healthscare in numerous internet Blog discussions a few years back at a freedom of choice discussion group; http://mychoice.ca <http://mychoice.ca/> . I have used the term numerous times in correspondence with media outlets, Civil rights, Human rights and medical discussion venues over the years. I have noticed the adaptation of the word in mainstream journalism of late, with no other source I could find prior to my invention. Its immediate recognition can be found in understanding its use. Although constantly my spell checker attempts to correct the spelling I submit "Healthscare" is and should remain a legitimate word. It can be used in conjunction with those who commit deceptive actions as in the term Healthscare Authority or Healthscare Professional who present themselves covertly in similar terms negating the "C" from the spelling.
Best Regards; Kevin Mulvina
44 Gulliver Crescent
Brampton , Ontario , Canada , L6S1S9
Email:
Alas, Mr. Mulvina is too late to claim ownership of this word. Googling "healthscare" returns 11,600 hits, including this segment on a healthscare from a 2005 "Daily Show" broadcast by Rob Corddry:
Rob Corddry discusses the "Healthscare" of Avian Flu on the Daily Show in 2005