Spontaneous lexicography as an instrument for exploring new words

The article describes ways of explaining new loanwords that newspapers typically employ. Spontaneous lexicography facilitates accommodation of new words by using traditional lexicographic devices. The author’s linguistic reflection reveals itself through specific forms of presenting systemic qualities and textual meanings of a word. The dictionary form is used as a tool for cognitive processing of new information. Loanwords, substandard words and occasional nominations all become the object of the authors’ reflection and commentary. Some of the typical devices of spontaneous lexicography are highlighted in the article. Peculiarities of spontaneous lexicography as it appears in printed press are determined by the peculiarities of the functioning of the newspaper text. The examples of references to dictionaries show the importance of dictionary definitions within the linguistic reflection of the speakers. The success of spontaneous lexicography depends on the level of lexicographical competence of the writer, his knowledge of dictionaries, ability to choose the best ways of explaining the meaning of the word and on his responsibility before the reader.