A Morphological Analysis: Acronymization in Modern English Slang ‘FOMO’
Abstract
The rapid development of digital communication has significantly influenced language use, particularly in the emergence of new lexical forms in informal contexts. One prominent example is FOMO (Fear of Missing Out), a term widely used on social media platforms to describe anxiety arising from perceived exclusion from rewarding experiences. This study aims to examine FOMO from a linguistic perspective, focusing on its formation as an acronym and its development as a new lexical item in contemporary English slang. Employing a qualitative descriptive research approach, the data were collected from Instagram captions and comments used by the millennial generation. The data collection techniques involved observation and note-taking, while data analysis was conducted by classifying the acronyms based on their morphological characteristics and interpreting their meanings within context. The findings indicate that FOMO is formed through the process of acronymization, functioning as a unified lexical item rather than a mere abbreviation or initialism. Phonologically and semantically, FOMO operates as an independent word and reflects linguistic economy in digital communication. This study highlights how acronymization contributes to slang formation and demonstrates the dynamic relationship between language, social interaction, and technological advancement.
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