Explain the process of clipping in word formation.

Clipping is a process of word formation in which a word is shortened by removing one or more syllables or letters from its original form. This process is commonly used in informal language, slang, and colloquial speech to create new words or shorten existing ones. Clipped words are often easier to pronounce and remember, making them popular in everyday communication.

There are several types of clipping, including back-clipping, fore- or front-clipping, and middle-clipping. Back-clipping involves removing the end of a word, while front-clipping involves removing the beginning. Middle-clipping, as the name suggests, involves removing a part of the word from the middle.

Back-clipping is the most common type of clipping. For example, the word "advertisement" is often clipped to "ad," "television" to "TV," and "examination" to "exam." In these cases, the clipped forms are easier to say and write, and they still retain the essential meaning of the original word.

Front-clipping is also widely used. For instance, "telephone" is often clipped to "phone," "refrigerator" to "fridge," and "university" to "uni." These clipped forms are more concise and convenient to use in everyday conversations.

Middle-clipping is less common but still occurs in certain cases. For example, "policeman" is often clipped to "cop," "hamburger" to "burger," and "mathematics" to "maths." In these instances, the clipped forms are shorter and more casual, making them suitable for informal contexts.

Clipping can also result in the creation of new words. For instance, the word "blog" is a clipped form of "weblog," and "fax" is a clipped form of "facsimile." These new words often become widely accepted and integrated into the language over time.

In conclusion, clipping is a process of word formation that involves shortening a word by removing one or more syllables or letters. It is commonly used in informal language and colloquial speech to create new words or shorten existing ones. Clipped words are easier to pronounce and remember, making them popular in everyday communication.