Is there a word that refers to or describes the subset of neologisms derived specifically from the names of fictional characters?
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I don't think there is a word quite that specific. However I may speak too soon, EL&U has a wealth of specific knowledge…– BladorthinTheGreyAug 27, 2016 at 21:42
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@BladorthinTheGrey Perhaps a commonly used qualifier? Something along the lines of: "Type" Neologism– DylanAug 27, 2016 at 21:45
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1Maybe we have to macgyver a word to fit your needs ;)– HelmarAug 27, 2016 at 21:59
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1 Answer
If you can handle two words: we might describe such terms as literary eponyms.
From Daily Writing Tips:
3. Literary Eponyms
Fictional characters often evoke such strong qualities that we assign their names to those qualities: faustian, quixotic. We also refer to people who exhibit qualities of literary characters by directly associating them, such as when we call someone a Casanova, a Romeo, or a Svengali (retaining initial capitalization), but some other such terms, such as lothario, are lowercased.
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This works for me. Do you know by any chance the reasoning for retaining capitalization in certain cases? I see the Merriam-Webster dictionary gives "lothario" with a lowercase L, but states that it is often capitalized. The New Oxford American Dictionary gives it capitalized with no notice.– DylanAug 27, 2016 at 22:16
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I would think that when the lexicographer determines that the term's meaning no longer derives from its namesake in the public consciousness - when it evokes the quality but not the character - that they may decide it no longer needs to be treated like a proper name.– LemmaAug 27, 2016 at 22:36
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Wikipedia has some more information and examples: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eponym#Orthographic_conventions– LemmaAug 27, 2016 at 22:36