Affixation in The Formation of Headwear Names in English

Abstract

The process of word formation plays a significant role in the enrichment of vocabulary in any language. Among the various word-formation methods, affixation is one of the most productive mechanisms in English. This article examines the role of affixation in the formation of headwear names in English. The study analyzes the morphological structure of headwear-related lexical units, identifies common prefixes and suffixes used in their formation, and explores the semantic changes resulting from affixation. Examples from contemporary English are used to illustrate how affixation contributes to the development of new terms for hats, caps, helmets, and other forms of headwear. The findings demonstrate that suffixation is more productive than prefixation in the naming of headwear and that affixation often reflects function, profession, style, or cultural identity.