Clipping

What is clipping?

Clipping refers to the reduction of a polysyllabic word by dropping a syllable or more from it.Clipping is also called truncation or shortening.
Examples:

• spec = speculation
• vet = veteran

Types of clipping

There are three types of clipping:

Back clipping

In this type the beginning is retained:
Examples:

• ad = advertisement
• cable = cablegram
• doc = doctor
• exam = examination
• fax = facsimile
• gas = gasoline
• gym = gymnastics, gymnasium
• memo = memorandum
• pub = public house
• pop = popular music

Fore-clipping

The final part is retained:
Examples:

• chute = parachute
• coon = raccoon
• gator = alligator
• phone = telephone

Middle clipping

The middle part is retained.
Example:

• flu = influenza
• fridge = refrigerator

Complex clipping

Clipping may also occur in compounds. In complex clipping, one part of the original compound most often remains intact. But sometimes both halves of a compound are clipped:

Examples:

• cablegram= cable telegram
• op art = optical art
• org-man= organization man
• linocut = linoleum cut
• navicert = navigation certificate

When both halves are clipped, as in navicert, it becomes confusing whether to consider the resultant formation as clipping or as blending.