When numbers are not what they seem – analysis of the functions and distribution of numerals in the numeronyms featured in the “Netlingo Dictionary of Texting Terms & Online Acronyms”

Abstract

The paper attempts to explore the concept of numeronyms, which, in the literature of the subject, are perceived as numeral-based words. Its principal aim is to contribute to the existing discussion about numeronymy by offering a fresh perspective, concentrated on the raison d'être of numeronyms, i.e., numerical figures incorporated within. The analysis concerns particular examples of numeronyms, as featured in the “Netlingo Dictionary of Texting Terms & Online Acronyms”. This source comprises a list of acronyms and shorthands derived from two language varieties: textspeak and online slang. Specifically, subject to the analysis are those terms that, in their written form, contain numerical figures. The corpus of 200 numeronyms is scrutinised with respect to two factors, namely, the function the numeral performs in the numeronym, as well as the possible patterns regarding the distribution of particular numerals. The research, both quantitative and qualitative in nature, reveals four distinct functions of numerals within numeronyms: homophonic, conceptual, typographic and quantifying. Only the last group can be claimed to follow the function normally attributed to numerals, i.e., quantity property assignment. In turn, the distributionoriented analysis brings to light the conclusion that certain numerals that point to number words possessing homophonic properties feature in numeronyms more prominently than others.