Contra de linguïstische preutsheid Over -gate en andere libfixen

This study aims to discuss libfixing as a non-morphemic process of word formation. Libfixes are ‘liberated’ elements which originate from the reanalysis of existing words, usually opaque forms or blends. A well-known example of a libfix is -gate from Watergate, whose borrowing and spreading in Dutch has been discussed by Hüning (2000). Among the other examples that are discussed are English -cation as in mancation, Franken- as in Frankenfood and Dutch -naise as in yogonaise and -talië as in Kapitalië. This contribution shows how widespread the process of libfixing is. Moreover, it is claimed that libfixing operates systematically and can therefore be subject of morphological analysis and theory. In addition, it is shown in this analysis that it is irrelevant whether a new formation is consciously formed or that it is the result of an unconsciously productive process. What counts is whether the neologism is acceptable as an English or Dutch word. Examples that are discussed in this article are from English or Dutch.