we're all familiar with the prefix "sub-." comes from latin, means under. simple! we're also familiar with its antonym, "super-." same origin, means over. easy! we're also (probably) all familiar with them being used in tandem-- for example, subscript meaning script beneath the main text, superscript being the text above.
however.
there exists a whole field of words that could hypothetically be used, but aren't; and for what? simplicity's sake? absurd. there is an untapped bounty of new words to be used out there. here are some examples:
- submarine > supermarine: a word for any sort of vessel that travels over water. we didn't - have a word for that before, right?
- subway > superway: all elevated rail is now called the superway. you're welcome.
- subtitle > supertitle: text that goes over everything on the screen, making it hard to see.
- submissive > supermissive: you can figure this one out yourself. it's not hard.
- subterranean > superterranean: a word for things that are above ground. so great to have a single word for this.
it goes the other way, too. here are some sub- equivalents of super- words:
- superhero > subhero: a guy with below average capabilities that saves the day. tumblr blorbo style
- superlative > sublative: a title you get for being worst at something in your high school. "least athletic." "least likely to succeed." "least likely to find true love." that shit.
- supervise > subvise: a word for when you're watching people who are theoretically above you. like when your new manager is really dogshit at his job so you have to teach him the ropes even though he makes twice your salary. subvision.
i think these words would make excellent additions to the english lexicon, and i'm sure there are even more potential words out there that could really spice up our lives in these trying times. if you think of any, feel free to share.
