Ahoy all,
I need some input regarding a word I've created.
In my WIP I've made up a name for a race and I call the race Anfylk. The word's meant to mean Anna's Folk (Anna is the goddess who created the race).
In my writing I'm often referring to a single member of the race as a fylk - especially if it's just an unspecified individual, and a group of members of the race as fylkin. On a few occasions I've also referred to a specific single individual as a fylkin ("that fylkin"). As you see the "An" part falls away when used about members of the race.
At some point I've also used the word Anfylkin to refer to unspecified members of the race in general (sort of like you'd use the word humankind about humans).
Originally, when I made up the word I'd figured I'd just wing it and use a form of it that I felt fitted the situation, but more and more as I write I'm starting to feel that this approach isn't working out as well as I had hoped.
In short, I need to formalize the usage of the word and I need pointers/suggestions about how to do it.
Does anyone here have a good link on what to keep in mind when making up words or is anyone able and willing to share some knowledge and shine some light on the matter? Any help would be much appreciated.
Summary:
Anfylk - the race
fylk - a member of the anfylk race
fylkin - a group of members of the anfylk race (or a specific member of the race)
anfylkin - fylkin in general
I need some input regarding a word I've created.
In my WIP I've made up a name for a race and I call the race Anfylk. The word's meant to mean Anna's Folk (Anna is the goddess who created the race).
In my writing I'm often referring to a single member of the race as a fylk - especially if it's just an unspecified individual, and a group of members of the race as fylkin. On a few occasions I've also referred to a specific single individual as a fylkin ("that fylkin"). As you see the "An" part falls away when used about members of the race.
At some point I've also used the word Anfylkin to refer to unspecified members of the race in general (sort of like you'd use the word humankind about humans).
Originally, when I made up the word I'd figured I'd just wing it and use a form of it that I felt fitted the situation, but more and more as I write I'm starting to feel that this approach isn't working out as well as I had hoped.
In short, I need to formalize the usage of the word and I need pointers/suggestions about how to do it.
Does anyone here have a good link on what to keep in mind when making up words or is anyone able and willing to share some knowledge and shine some light on the matter? Any help would be much appreciated.
Summary:
Anfylk - the race
fylk - a member of the anfylk race
fylkin - a group of members of the anfylk race (or a specific member of the race)
anfylkin - fylkin in general