What’s a Retronym?

A retronym is a new word or modifier that clarifies language changes, such as “analog clock” or “First World War.” The term comes from retro and -onym, and was coined by Frank Mankiewicz. Retronyms arise when old terms become obsolete, and can avoid confusion. Backronyms, acronyms formed in reverse order, are sometimes also called retronyms. […]

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