- Laptop-ness [single word used to convey entire thought]
laptopness
noun; derivation
The state of having and/or using a laptop computer. The addition of the –ness suffix to many nouns to convert them into adjectives describing a certain state of being has become more prevalent in popular youth speech in the U.S. of the past few years. And is spreading more and more. Besides just being used for the purpose of effective communication, the overuse of the –ness suffix has gained a certain social value. I have not heard the term used widely, and its creation could be a nonce derivation used to make the AIM profile of the original user seem humorous or witty.
Etymology : The suffix, -ness (from Old English –nes, meaning state or quality), has been added to the root word laptop to indicate the state of having or using a laptop. The “having or using” aspect of the thought is implied by the originator of the word. The root laptop is a shortening of “laptop computer,” which describes a computer small and light enough to fit on a person’s lap.
Source : The AIM profile of a friend on 8/21/05
Last modified: 10 June 2008