Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

Compounding as a Morphological Process on TikTok

Oke Marvis Urhi & Richard Oiseyenum Maledo

Abstract

This essay examines compounding as a morphological process in online

platforms, focusing on TikTok, a social media site where users express their
opinions about events and happenings in their community. Social media users
have been found to coin new terms with connotations exclusive to online usage,
which may seem odd to people who are not on social media. Thus, by looking at
the morphological compositions and descriptions as well as the semantic
implications of such compound words, this work takes a descriptive approach to
studying the morphological process of compounds. Ten compound terms were
chosen for a thorough in-depth analysis out of the thousands that were gathered
for the study through user observation and extraction from posts, comments,
captions, and hashtags. The results show that the compound words' semantic
connotations are limited to online usage and effectively capture the language of
social media in general and TikTok in particular.

Keywords: compounding, TikTok, morphology, social media, internet, online

1.0 Introduction

The TikTok platform was released worldwide in 2017; it consists of

mobile short-form videos that users perform to showcase to their various
communities their singing, lip syncing, dancing, acting, comedy and other
creative skills. There are currently over one billion users in 150 countries
(Eghtesadi & Florea, 2020). Being one of the fastest-growing apps in
China, TikTok is the most successful video gathering for music (PR
Newswire, 2017). It is especially common in China with Internet users
younger than 30. In the first half of 2020, TikTok accumulated more than
315 million downloads worldwide in the App Store and Google Play over
the quarter than any other app (Briskman, 2020).

TikTok is a free phone app for both Android and iOS users (Schwedel,

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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

2018). According to Sehl (2020), it is a tool that gives “creators'' the ability
to create 3-60 seconds videos set to audio or pre-recorded footage with
creative effects, including “GIFs,” “Filters,”, “Screen split screens,” and
“Green screens”, all at the disposal of the user. The making of TikTok
videos is done using a mobile-friendly method such as filming desired
footage and then applying audio and visual effects to the features within
the application. After the video has been made, it is posted to a TikTok
account, and the videos with text and hashtags can be distributed to the
user's followers. They will be informed that a new video has been created
for everyone.

Additional capabilities include the ability to record videos with lip-syncing

audio, upload video clips with their audio, or even create videos using
audio clips, sound bites, and visual footage. According to Hayes (2020),
TikTok App enables people to use their creativity, but also brings people
together in an interactive way, social-emotional environment in videos
featuring “Duet” or “Stitch” and "providing both the ability to share their
creativity and collaboration with others" (users film themselves reacting to
videos). “Live Videos” functionality allows users to record themselves,
and have their feedback/comments and likes to appear on the screen at the
same time, helping users to connect with and communicate with one
another. People who use this service also have the opportunity to like other
videos and make comments on them. One of the major benefits of using
TikTok is that content can be easily shared on various sites such as
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. The advantage of this sharing feature is
that it provides greater access to creators to an even larger audience and
allows those who have no TikTok account to view their videos.

1.1 The English Language and TikTok

The use of the English language on TikTok as a means of communication

on social media has resulted in instances of linguistic deviation. Linguistic
deviation is a conscious change from the existing norm. According to
Norgaad et al. (2010, p. 95), “Deviation refers to moves away from a norm
on all linguistic levels”. It is associated with an infraction or a violation of
a linguistic norm either for aesthetic purposes or to achieve a
foregrounding effect. The ideology that surrounds a piece of discourse or
writing most time informs and dictates the writer’s choice of style.

As TikTok users communicate using English, many new words have

emerged that bear resemblance to their original English forms. This
increasing use of social media platforms has led to the formation of new
words with distinct meanings. Additionally, some new words and unusual
collocations have also emerged from such usages which emanate from the
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

need to express concepts specific to the social and cultural context of the
social media users in economic and fast lexical expressions. In recent
times, these formed words have become parts and parcels of everyday
speech, as speakers use them liberally in informal conversations. These
formed words are slowly finding their way into the English lexicon. A
study of how these words are formed morphologically will help to explore
the novelty, processes, and linguistic aesthetics inherent in this word
formation and their unique social media meaning.

In our daily use of language, we are often not aware of word-formation

processes, which create, produce, or form new words in a language. Most
of the time, we have no problems with understanding these new words.
Furthermore, we immediately know the various forms of that new word
and include them all in our vocabulary. Sometimes we even may build
them ourselves. This ability to adopt, understand, and use such a new word
results from the fact that these word-formation processes are based on
certain rules and regulations. Our remarkable ability to comprehend and
incorporate new words into our vocabulary stems from the systematic
word-formation processes governed by language rules. When encountering
unfamiliar words, our brain analyzes their structure and context, making it
easier to grasp their meanings and related forms. Whether through
prefixes, suffixes, or other morphological patterns, we instinctively
recognize various word forms, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and
adverbs. This seamless adoption and understanding of new words
showcase the efficiency of language in conveying meaning. Moreover, we
can even create new words ourselves by applying these established rules.
Overall, language's inherent structure and our brain's language processing
capabilities enable us to swiftly embrace and utilize novel vocabulary in
our daily communication.

According to McCarthy and O’Dell (2007), when we listen to or read

English, it is sometimes possible to guess the meaning of a word that we
do not know before we look up or ask its meaning. We need to decide first
what part of speech the word is and then look for clues in its context or
form which leads to morphological processes.

2.0 The Concept of Morphology

Traditionally, morphology can be defined as a study of the internal

structure of words (Katamba, 1993). The word “morphology” is derived
from the Greek word morphe meaning “form” and logos meaning
“science” (Carstairs and McCarthy, 2002). Morphology belongs to the area
of grammar involving the internal structure of words. Essentially, it deals
with processes of word formation in a language. The word formation
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

process in English can be classified into two: Major and Minor word
formation process. The majors are Affixation, Conversion, and
Compounding while the minors are Clipping, Blending, Acronym, Sound
imitation (or onomatopoeia), Back-formation, and Reduplication. The
focus of this study belongs to the one major word formation process,
which is compounding.

2.1 Compounding

Compounding is a morphological process of combining two or more words

to form a new word (Maledo, 2021). In linguistics, a compound is a word
that consists of more than one stem. Compounding is the process of word
formation that creates compound words. That is, in familiar terms,
compounding occurs when two or more words are joined to make a single
word. The meaning of the compound may be similar to or different from
the meaning of its components in isolation. The component stems of a
compound may be of the same part of speech. It may consist of a head, i.e.
the categorical part that contains the basic meaning of the whole
compound, and modifiers, which restrict this meaning. Odebunmi (2001)
observes that in forming compounds, two or more words are combined,
with or without hyphenation (for example, schoolboys, blackbird, call-girl,
and playboy), closed (offshore) or hyphenated (shore-boat). It is important
to note that compounds are constantly generated by good users of English
to do their specific bidding in informal situations. In most of these
instances, the structure of compounds may go beyond the two-word level:
for example: “a not-too-brilliant idea”, “chop-I-chop party” and “a-do-or-
die affair”.

In morphology, compounds are classified into three main categories:

endocentric, exocentric, and synthetic compounds. Endocentric
compounds are described by Fromkin et al. (2013) as those in which a
clear head or dominant element determines the basic meaning or
grammatical category of the compound. This head typically exists at the
right-hand side of the compound, following what is known as the Right-
Hand Head rule (Williams, 1981). Non-head elements provide additional
information or modify the head. For instance, "blackbird" is an endocentric
compound where the head "bird" is modified by "black". In contrast,
exocentric compounds do not have a clear head that determines the overall
meaning or category of the compound (O'Grady, Archibald, Aronoff, &
Rees-Miller, 2015). These compounds form a meaning that cannot be
directly attributed to any specific element. For example, "turnkey" is
exocentric because the head member is a verb while the compound
belongs to the category of nouns. Another good example here is
“pickpocket”. Synthetic compounds, on the other hand, combine the
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

meanings of their constituents in a non-predictable way (Bauer, 2001).

This type of compound includes words like "blackbird" and "whitewash",
where the compound as a whole has a unique meaning that is more than
just the combination of its parts. In morphology, synthetic compounds are
a specific type of compound that resembles verbal constructions. They are
formed by combining a head derived from a verb with another element
functioning as an object. Synthetic compounding involves a combination
of compounding and derivation.

The discussion around compound classification is not without its

complexities and exceptions. For instance, Selkirk (1982) devotes
significant attention to exocentric compounds, which are seen as an
exception in the English language. Moreover, some compounds may
exhibit both endocentric and exocentric features. Despite these challenges,
the classification of compounds provides valuable insights into the
structure and semantics of language, enriching our understanding of how
meanings are formed and conveyed.

3.0 Literature Review

The social media platforms have attracted an array of studies. Faradisa

(2019) is a study carried out to identify the different types of word
formation processes used in Instagram. It concludes that knowing the word
formation processes used in such a platform will help to account for the
semantic implications of such lexical items. In a similar vein, Crisnova
(2020) is a morphological study devoted to Sherena’s Instagram account
with the objectives of identifying the word classes and word formation
processes inherent in Sherena’s Instagram account. Nweze (2013)
combines a meta-pragmatic and a transformational approach to study the
morpho-syntactic elements that underlie the linguistic personalities of
SMS creators using data from students of the University of Nigeria,
Nsukka.

Furthermore, Tabe (2018) analyses 230 informal emails and charts to

explore how Anglophone Cameroonians form words in a social media
context, focusing on the morphological processes in platforms such as
email, Facebook, and Yahoo Messenger. Kadiri et al. (2018) examines the
effect of social media language characterized by linguistic features like
acronyms, abbreviations, and word contractions on the academic writings
of university undergraduates. Jeresano and Carretero (2022) is a
descriptive study that explores the digital culture and social media slang of
Generation Z (Gen Z) and its effect on their language use and writing
skills. Posca (2014) is a study of the use of blending as a morphological
process on Instagram. The findings of the study reveal that two types of
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

blends are prominent in Instagram usage: blending with front clipping and
blending with back clipping. Maledo and Edhobor (2023) investigate the
morphological processes and the semantic implications of internet-based
slang. Lutfiah and Sudarwati (2021) examine the jargon used on TikTok to
determine the types and the specific significance of jargon as used on
TikTok. The study also identifies the forms and contexts of jargon on
TikTok, which involves evaluating all data collected from the application
and analyzing it systematically.

What is obvious from the above review is that there is a plethora of studies
on the morphology of language use on social media platforms. However,
to the best of our knowledge, it appears as if much has not been done in
the area of compounding on the use of language on social media platforms

4.0 Methodology

This research makes use of both primary and secondary sources of data.
The data consists of compound words sourced from internet-based
platforms through observation and extraction of the compound words from
users’ posts, comments, captions, and hashtags. Among the
morphologically created words sourced for this study, ten that manifest the
morphological process of compounding and which are used in social
media communication were selected for analysis. They were analyzed by
identifying their social media meaning, morpho-syntactic description,
semantic composition, and their usage on TikTok. For ease of analysis and
identification, the data is numbered from the Roman numeral datum i to
datum x.

5. Data Presentation and Analysis

The analysis focuses mainly on compounding as a word-formation process

on TikTok, an internet-based platform.

Datum i. Multi-Guest

Social Media-Based Meaning

On TikTok, a multi-guest is a feature that allows creators to host guests

during their live video. Viewers can send guest requests or creators can
invite a limited number of guests to connect in audio or video mode. Other
viewers can then send gifts to the creators and guests during the live video.
Multi-guest exemplifies the morphological process of compounding,
where two words are combined to create a new term with a distinct
meaning. In the context of TikTok, it specifically denotes a feature that
enhances the social and interactive aspects of the platform by allowing
multiple participants to engage in shared digital experiences.
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

Morpho-syntactic Description

Multi-Guest on TikTok is a hyphenated exocentric compound. In this case,

multi- (indicating multiple) and guest (referring to an invited person) are
joined to form a compound word, multi-guest. Components of the word
have a meaning that is not related to the meaning of the individual parts
which is why it is classified as an exocentric compound. The syntactic
word class of multi-guest is a noun, made up of "Multi (adjective)" and
"guest (Noun)".

Semantic Composition

On TikTok, multi-guest refers to an entity or concept involving multiple

guests. It is commonly used in the context of digital platforms like TikTok
to describe a feature or setting that allows multiple users to participate
simultaneously in an event, live stream, or collaborative content creation.
The multi-guest feature on TikTok enables creators to engage with their
audience in realtime.

Usage on TikTok

It is used for live streaming. Creators on TikTok can use the multi-guest
feature during live streams, allowing them to interact with and include
multiple participants in their content. It is also used for collaborative
content interactions. The term is often associated with collaborative and
interactive content creation, where several users can contribute to a shared
experience.

Datum ii. Double Tap

Social Media-Based Meaning

Double tap is a term used on social media, particularly TikTok. It refers to

the action of tapping on a photo or video twice to like it. Double tapping is
a quick way to show your appreciation for a post without having to
comment or write a lengthy review.

Morpho-syntactic Description

The term double tap on TikTok exhibits an open endocentric compound.

In an endocentric compound, one component (usually the first one) serves
as the head, and it carries the primary meaning, while the other component
provides additional information or specification. In this case:

- Head (Primary Meaning): Tap

- Modifier (Provides Additional Information): Double.

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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

The primary meaning of the compound, double tap, is derived from the
head, tap, while the modifier, double, adds specificity by indicating the
repetition of the action. It is a compound where the second component
functions as a modifier or specifier, enhancing the meaning of the head. In
this case, the words double and tap are compounded to form a single term.
It can function as a noun phrase or verb phrase as the examples below
indicate:

As a Verb Phrase: In this context, the double tap is used as a verb phrase,
indicating the action of tapping the screen or button twice.

a. Make sure you double tap that post.

b. I always double-tap her videos.

As a Noun Phrase: In this context, the double tap is used as a noun phrase,
referring to the action of tapping the screen or button twice and indicating
approval or liking.

a. Give this post a double tap if you enjoyed it.

b. The video received many double taps.

The word class of double tap depends on how it is used in a sentence—

either as a verb phrase or a noun phrase.

Usage on TikTok

Liking Content: On TikTok, users can express appreciation or liking for a

video by double-tapping the screen, and the term double tap is often used
in captions or comments to encourage viewers to like the content. Double
tap exemplifies the morphological feature of compounding, where two
words are combined to create a new term representing a specific action
related to user interaction on social media platforms like TikTok.

Datum iii. Capcut

Social Media-Based Meaning

Capcut on social media, especially on platforms like TikTok, refers to a

video editing application used to create and edit content for sharing. Users
often mention Capcut when discussing or recommending video editing
tools within the context of social media content creation.

Morpho-syntactic Description

Capcut is an exocentric closed compound formed through combining the

free morphemes Cap and cut to create a new term with a specific meaning
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

related to video editing capabilities on TikTok. Capcut is a proper noun,

representing the name of a specific brand or product. The term
semantically combines the elements of Cap and cut to convey the main
function of the app, which is video editing as exemplified below.

a. I edited my TikTok video using Capcut and the result is fantastic.

b. Capcut has some great features for enhancing your video content.

Usage on TikTok

Capcut is commonly used and mentioned on TikTok, where users create

and share short video content. Creators may discuss their editing process
or recommend Capcut to their audience. Capcut is a compound proper
noun representing a video editing application, commonly used and
discussed within the context of social media, particularly on platforms like
TikTok. Its usage reflects pragmatic considerations related to content
creation and enhancement. The meaning expressed is distinct from the
individual constituents that make up the compound word. Often relying on
contextual or cultural association, the meaning of Capcup is inferred from
the use of the TikTok app.

Datum iv. Data Saver

Social Media-Based Meaning

Data Saver is a feature on WhatsApp that can be used to reduce the

amount of data that the app uses. When this setting is enabled, WhatsApp
will not automatically download images, videos, or other files. Instead, the
user will need to manually download each file.

Morpho-syntactic Description

Data Saver is a synthetic open compound formed by combining the

morphemes Data and Saver. The meaning of the word is inferred from
both constituents but not in a predictable way. It is formed by
compounding and derivation. Data Saver belongs to the noun as a word
class referring to a tool or feature related to the conservation of data.

Semantic Composition

Semantically, the compound conveys the idea of preserving or conserving

data. Data specifies the kind of content being preserved, and Saver
indicates the tool or feature responsible for the action.

Semantic Field

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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

Data saver is a term that falls within the semantic field of internet
technology. It refers to a setting or feature on a mobile device that is
designed to conserve data usage. It typically does this by restricting
background data usage, reducing background data usage, reducing image
quality, and disabling the auto-play function. You will find Data savers
around words like smartphones, data, and tablets among others.

The figure below shows the morphological analysis of Data Saver with a
clear head-dependent relationship. Semantically, it conveys the efficient
preservation of data, and pragmatically, it aligns with user empowerment
and control over data consumption in the technological landscape of social
media.

Datum v. Shadowban

Social Media-Based Meaning

Shadowban is a term used on social media platforms to describe a form of

censorship. When someone is shadow-banned, their content is hidden from
other users on the platform, so they cannot see or interact with it. This can
happen for several reasons, such as violating the platform’s community
guidelines or engaging in spammy or harmful behavior. This is a social
media word and it has become part of the online lexicon.

Morphological Description

Shadowban is an exocentric compound which can be a closed or an open

compound. It is formed by two free morphemes which are Shadow and
ban. The meaning of the word cannot be known except if you are a social
media user. There is no clear head in this compound word because it is an
exocentric compound that does not possess a clear head. Depending on the
context, shadow-ban can be a noun or a verb. In the expression “My
account is on shadow ban” it is a noun where it functions as a compliment
to a preposition while in “Your account will be shadow banned” it is a
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

verb in the past tense form.

Semantic Composition

Semantically, the word shadow refers to something that is hidden or in the

dark, and ban refers to something that is forbidden or not allowed. So, in
total shadow ban means something that restricts a user’s content without
their knowledge by not showing any of their content on other’s feeds. The
user does not know that other users cannot see their content.

Semantic Field

Shadow ban is found in the field of online communication and censorship.

It is a term that refers to the practice of blocking or restricting user’s online
content without their knowledge. Words like algorithms, censorship,
visibility, access, and online speech are associated with shadow-ban.

Datum vi. Hashtag

Social Media-Based Meaning

On social media, the hashtag is commonly used to categorize content and

make it easier to find. A hashtag is a word proceeded by the hash symbol
(#) and used to identify messages on social media platforms. It is mostly
used on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. The use of
hashtags allows users to search for specific topics and join conversations
about them. Hashtags can also be used to promote brands, events, or
causes. It can be used to track the popularity of a topic or to express
opinion.

Morphological Description

Hashtag is an endocentric compound, it is a closed compound formed by

two free morphemes. There is a clear head in this compound word because
it is an endocentric compound. It can function as a noun or as a verb. As a
noun, it refers to the actual hashtag symbol, and as a verb, it means to add
a hashtag to a post: hash (Noun) and tag (Verb).

Semantic Composition

Semantically, the word hashtag is a word that has the symbol “#” which is
of the Dutch origin hash “haschen” which means to chop. Tag is a word
which means to fasten. The word, Hashtag, means to add a label to a post
on social media. The meaning of hashtag is derived from the use of social
media platforms.

Semantic Field
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

A hashtag is used to identify and categorize content on social media

platforms. Words like trending, topics, curate, and filter are related to
hashtags.

Datum vii. Voice Note

Social Media-Based Meaning

A voice note is a recorded audio message that can be sent via a messaging
app or other digital platform. It allows the sender to record and send their
voice instead of typing out a message. Voice notes are becoming
increasingly popular as it is faster and more convenient than typing, and
they can also be more personal and expressive. Some popular social media
platforms that use Voice Note are WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.

Morphological Description

Voice Note is an endocentric compound, it is an open compound. It is

formed by two free morphemes which are Voice and note. There is a clear
head in this compound word because it is an endocentric compound. As a
compound word, a voice note is a noun.

Semantic Composition

Semantically, the word voice note can be broken down into two
components: Voice and Note, the word voice carries the meaning of
speech, sound, or vocal expression while note carries the meaning of a
written or recorded message. Together, they create the compound noun
voice note which refers to an audio message that is sent via a digital
platform.

Semantic Field

Voice note is within the field of digital communication, specifically, it

refers to a type of audio message that is sent using a mobile device or
online platform. The term may also be associated with specific apps or
services that allow users to send voice messages, such as WhatsApp or
Facebook. Audio messages and text messages are also in that field.

Datum viii. Last Seen

Social Media-Based Meaning

Last seen refers to the last time the contact used WhatsApp. Through our
privacy settings, you have the option to control who can see your last seen
and online. You may not be able to see someone’s last seen or online
unless they have you saved as a contact or have previously messaged you
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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

(WhatsApp Inc., 2023).

Morphological Description

Last seen is an open endocentric compound formed through combining the

free morphemes last and seen to create a new term with a specific meaning
related to the visibility of a WhatsApp user's activity. Last seen functions
as a noun phrase. It comprises the head noun seen pre-modified by the
adjective last.

Semantic Composition

Combination of temporal and visual information: The term semantically

combines temporal information (last) with visual or perceptual information
(seen) to convey when the user was last visually active or visible on the
platform.

WhatsApp Feature: Last seen is prominently featured on WhatsApp, where

users can view the last timestamp indicating when their contacts were last
active or online.

Semantic Field

Online Presence: Last seen falls within the semantic field of online
presence, providing information about a user's recent activity on a
messaging platform.

Pragmatic Considerations

Social Etiquette: Users often consider last seen as a social cue for
appropriate timing to send messages. For instance, if someone's last seen is
a long time ago, they might not be currently available for a chat. Last seen
is a compound term with a specific social media-based meaning related to
online presence and activity visibility. Its usage extends beyond mere
functionality, influencing social interactions and etiquette within these
platforms.

Datum vix. Auto Cut

Social Media-Based Meaning

Auto cut in a social media context, particularly on platforms like TikTok,

refers to an automated editing feature or process. This involves automatic
segmentation or trimming of videos, where the software detects and
removes unnecessary parts such as silence or pauses, creating a smoother
and more engaging viewing experience.

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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

Morphological Description

Auto Cut is an endocentric open compound. Auto is a prefix derived from

the Greek word “autos”, meaning "self" or "automatic". Cut is a verb that
means to divide, remove, or separate. Together, auto-cut forms a
compound noun phrase, indicating a process of automatic division or
segmentation. The headword is cut while the modifier is auto. Auto Cut
functions as a noun phrase.

Auto is a prefix meaning self or automatic. Cut is a verb indicating division

or separation, or as a noun, it refers to the act of cutting or a defined
incision or division. Thus, Auto cut is a compound word referring to
automatic division or segmentation.

Semantic Composition

The combination of auto and cut implies a process of automatic cutting or

segmentation, particularly in the context of video editing or content
creation. It suggests a tool or feature that autonomously trims or segments
videos without the need for manual intervention.

Usage on TikTok

On TikTok, an auto cut could refer to several things as listed below:

i. It might describe a built-in editing feature that automatically trims

videos to a desired length or removes pauses.

ii. Content creators might use the term to refer to their editing
process, indicating that they utilize automatic cutting tools to
enhance the quality of their videos.

iii. Users might also discuss tips or tricks for achieving smoother
transitions or edits using automatic cutting techniques.

Datum x. Live Centre

Social Media-Based Meaning

Live Centre could refer to a feature or section within a social media

platform dedicated to live content. This section typically aggregates and
showcases ongoing live streams from various users or creators. Users can
access the Live Centre to discover and engage with live content in
realtime.

Morphological Description

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Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

Live is an adjective indicating something happening or occurring in real-

time while Centre is a noun referring to a central location or focal point.
Together, Live Centre forms a compound noun denoting a central hub or
focal point for live content.

Morphological Analysis

Live Centre is an endocentric open compound, the headword is center

while the specifier is live which tells more about the type of centre. Live is
an adjective indicating real-time activity. Centre is a noun referring to a
central location or focal point. Therefore, Live Centre is a compound noun
denoting a central hub for live content.

Semantic Composition

The compound word Live Centre conveys the idea of a central location or
hub specifically dedicated to live content. It suggests a place where users
can find and engage with live streams, events, or broadcasts happening in
realtime on the social media platform.

Usage on TikTok

i. While TikTok primarily focuses on short-form video content, it

has introduced live-streaming capabilities for users and creators.

ii. Live Centre could refer to a section or feature within TikTok

where users can discover and access ongoing live streams.

iii. Users might navigate to the "Live Centre" on TikTok to explore

live content from their favorite creators, participate in live Q&A
sessions, or engage with live events happening within the
platform.

6. Conclusion

The study has shown the utilitarian value of compounding as a

morphological process on TikTok and other social media platforms. Its
usage in social media discourse is not just based on the creative ingenuity
of social media users but also as a relevant part of social media language
which goes a long way to characterize the language of social media. The
study has shown that understanding the semantic implications of the
studied compound words is a necessary prerequisite in social media
communication and in understanding social media language. For instance,
a user who does not understand the semantic implications of auto cut or
live center may not be able to apply these terms or understand them when
they are used. This paper is not foreclosing studies on morphological

21
Journal of Education, Humanities, Management & Social Sciences (JEHMSS), September 2024

processes on social media; it is, therefore, recommended that specific

studies be conducted on other aspects of the morphological structure of
social media language.

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Writers’ Brief Data

Oke Marvis Urhi is of Department of English And
Literary Studies, Delta State University, Abraka,
Nigeria. Email: [email protected]
Richard Oiseyenum Maledo is of Department of
English And Literary Studies, Delta State
University, Abraka, Nigeria. Email: omaledo@
gmail.com

APA

Urhi, O. M. & Maledo, R.O. (2024). Compounding as a

Morphological Process on TikTok. Journal of Education,
Humanities, Management and Social Sciences (JEHMSS),
2(4), 7-24. https://klamidas.com/jehmss-v2n4-2024-01/

MLA

Urhi, Oke Marvis and Maledo, Richard Oiseyenum.

“Compounding as a Morphological Process on TikTok”.
Journal of Education, Humanities, Management and Social
Sciences (JEHMSS), vol. 2, no. 4, 2024, pp. 7-24.
https://klamidas.com/jehmss-v2n4-2024-01/

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