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This is my first question. I already did a lot of research but didn't find a specific answer that helps me with this. I know there are three forms (closed, open and hyphenated) in combining words. With prefixes it seems rather clear, but what about nouns or verbs? So is it "game-changer" or "game changer"… "mind-changer" or "mind changer"?

Thanks a lot!

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  • There is a previous question of possible interest.
    – Weather Vane
    Commented Nov 20, 2019 at 9:44
  • CD gives the open and hyphenated forms. As does M-W. But in each case, the open form is listed first. However, Collins lists only the hyphenated form. Examples given support the favoured variant in each case. So neither is incorrect, and it's pointless saying one is vastly preferable. // But Craig West also makes a good point.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Aug 2 at 23:39
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    Following up on Edwin Ashworth's comment, I note that AHDEL Online gives open and hyphenated forms for the term but prefers the latter—the reverse of Cambridge and Merriam-Webster. I also agree with Michael Lorton's suggestion that there is no reason to suppose that we won't eventually end up with the unhyphenated single-word form gamechanger in the fullness of time. The term is still fairly new to mass use, as is doesn't appear at all in either MW's Eleventh Collegiate Dictionary (2003) or AHDEL, fifth edition (2011).
    – Sven Yargs
    Commented Aug 3 at 1:47
  • ... and as has been mentioned before on ELU, there is a trend for evolution from open compound to hyphenated form to solid form where ridiculous results don't occur, and this is usually though not always faster in the US than in the UK.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Aug 3 at 15:00
  • Also, with respect to uncouth appearance (which is indeed a consideration in how people choose to render familiar terms in written English), it may be relevant that the verb shortchange and the associated noun shortchanger have appeared in editions of the Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary since the sixth edition (1949).
    – Sven Yargs
    Commented Aug 3 at 18:18

3 Answers 3

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It depends on how you are using the word. Sometimes looking at the dictionary is helpful as well to see if it is first an approved hyphenated word. Generally, hyphenate two or more words when they come before a noun they modify and act as a single idea. (e.g., It was one of those game-changer throws by outfield that saved the game).

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  • That makes sense – thanks for pointing out the connection to the modified noun.
    – Herbert
    Commented Nov 22, 2019 at 18:28
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There is generally a progression when it comes to compound nouns. Initially, the word being used as an adjective is just placed in front of the original noun; then, as the phrase becomes fixed, it tends to be hyphenated; finally, the two words are run together and people forget it was ever two words.

First it is “type writer”, then “type-writer”, finally “typewriter”.

First it is “bell boy”, then “bell-boy”, finally “bellboy”.

Personally, with “game” and “changer”, I think we are still in Phase 2, “game-changer” — but opinions might differ.

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  • Dictionaries disagree among themselves on this.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Aug 4 at 22:17
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If it's modifying a noun, hyphenate it -- game-changer But if it's standing alone, e.g. "It was a game changer" do not hyphenate it.

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    Your answer could be improved with additional supporting information. Please edit to add further details, such as citations or documentation, so that others can confirm that your answer is correct. You can find more information on how to write good answers in the help center.
    – Community Bot
    Commented Aug 2 at 19:02
  • That answer has already been given.
    – Chenmunka
    Commented Aug 3 at 21:14
  • @Chenmunka The use of the standalone noun was not mentioned by Craig West.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Aug 4 at 22:16
  • @EdwinAshworth true, but "standing alone" is too vague, and the example given doesn't make the distinction any clearer. Perhaps what you and the OP are alluding to is where the NP could be expressed in the form "noun2 of noun1" – e.g. 'game-changer' = 'changer of the game' (cf 'game fish' ≠ 'fish of the game'). I suspect there's a tendency for uncommon "doer" forms to be hyphenated, viz 'pie-lover', 'fun-killer' – in which case 'game-changer' is transitioning from uncommon to common (i.e. closed form). 'Gamekeeper' has already made the transition; 'game scorer' is still open.
    – Chappo Hasn't Forgotten
    Commented Aug 5 at 6:11
  • Laurie: welcome to EL&U! We're a bit different from other Q&A sites, so I recommend you take the Tour to get a better sense of how we work. In general, we reward (upvote) authoritative answers supported by reference (e.g. dictionary source) & discourage (downvote or even delete) answers that are merely opinion or guesswork. To that end, I recommend you edit your answer to flesh it out a bit (see my earlier comment), & toss in a reference (e.g. M-W. :-)
    – Chappo Hasn't Forgotten
    Commented Aug 5 at 6:21

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