1. Usage and Frequency:
* Widespread adoption: If a new word is frequently used by a significant portion of the population, especially in formal contexts like writing and media, it starts gaining legitimacy.
* Persistence: Words that stick around and are used consistently over time become more acceptable.
2. Acceptance by Language Gatekeepers:
* Dictionaries: Major dictionaries play a crucial role. When a new word is added to a dictionary, it signals a level of recognition and acceptance.
* Linguists: Linguists analyze language evolution and can influence public perception by studying and discussing new words.
* Media: News outlets, writers, and other media figures contribute to the spread of new words and their eventual acceptance.
3. Social and Cultural Context:
* Social acceptance: New words reflect societal changes and attitudes. If a word aligns with emerging cultural trends, it's more likely to be embraced.
* Political and historical events: Major events can introduce new terms or give new meaning to existing words, influencing their respectability.
4. Subjective Perception:
* Personal preferences: Individual tastes and judgments play a role. What one person finds respectable, another may not.
* Contextual factors: The appropriateness of a word depends on the situation. A word considered acceptable in informal conversation might be deemed inappropriate in a formal setting.
It's important to note that the concept of "respectability" is subjective and can vary across cultures and time periods. Words once considered taboo or vulgar can later become commonplace, and vice versa.
Ultimately, the process of a new word becoming respectable is a complex interplay of usage, acceptance, context, and individual perception.