e-quainted

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Adjective 1.2.1 Related terms

[edit] English

The term “e-quainted” is considered a neologism based on standardized Wiktionary criteria. Neologisms are newly acknowledged terms. They typically have not been in circulation long enough or widely enough for their social status to be determined. Neologisms can be nonces, slang terms, or even illiteracies. The citation of “e-quainted” may be restricted to certain other contexts that have not been fully investigated, such as industry jargon or regional use. The term may not generally be understood even within those contexts.

[edit] Etymology

From English acquainted, replacing ac- (ad) with e- electronic, by analogy with e-mail

[edit] Adjective

e-quainted (comparative more e-quainted, superlative most e-quainted)

1. (Internet) Known exclusively online.
   • 1997 February 22, Kathleen Swanholt, "Correction and LCC", bit.listserv.dorothyl, Usenet,^[1]

     People I was thrilled to meet after being e-quainted forever: […]

   • 1997 September 12, TJ, "Re: basmati rice", rec.food.cooking, Usenet,^[2]

     I'm e-quainted with someone who goes to the VA there and he says he sees Indian groceries when he goes there.

   • 2000, Russell Merris, Graph Theory, Wiley-IEEE, ISBN 0471389250, page 195,

     Let’s say two people are e-quainted if, during the past year, they participated together in one or more of the same chat room discussions. Otherwise, call them e-stranged. Then any two people attending the convention’s introductory cocktail party will be either e-quainted or e-stranged.

   • 2004 December 7, Dave Larrington, "Re: Cynical? moi?", uk.rec.sheds, Usenet,^[3]

     I am e-quainted with a Catherine who became Cathrin, also for Goff reasons.

[edit] Related terms

• e-quaintance