“To coin someone” is not a commonly used phrase, but it can be understood in a few ways depending on context:
- To give someone a nickname or create a new term to describe them: This is the most likely meaning, akin to how we “coin” new words or phrases in language. For example, if you observe a friend’s peculiar habit and come up with a catchy, new term to refer to them by, you could be considered to have “coined” a description for them.
- To be the first to describe a new phenomenon or role: If someone is the first to identify and articulate a new social trend or a novel position, you might say they “coined” a description for it, and by extension, for the people embodying it. For instance, a technology writer might “coin” a term to describe a new type of internet user, effectively “coining” a new way to refer to these individuals.
In essence, “coining someone” implies an act of creation or invention in the realm of language or description. It means coming up with a new way to refer to or characterize a person, perhaps based on their actions, personality, or a newly emerging trend they embody.
What does it mean when you coin?
/kɔɪn/ Other forms: coins; coined; coining. If you coin a phrase, that means you come up with a new way to say something, like the person who coined “webizens” to describe people who constantly use the Internet. The verb coin literally refers to making coins, the change you probably have in your pocket.