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In linguistics, 'clipping' is the word formation process which consists in the reduction of a word to one of its parts (Marchand:1969). Clippings are, also, known as "shortenings."
Clipping mainly consists of the following types:
# Back clipping
# Fore-clipping
# Middle clipping
# Complex clipping

Contents

Back clipping

Fore-clipping

Middle clipping

Back clipping

Back clipping or apocopation is the most common type, in which the beginning is retained. The unclipped original may be either a simple or a composite.
Examples:
ad - advertisement
cable - cablegram
doc - doctor
exam - examination
gas - gasoline
math - mathematics
memo - memorandum
gym - gymnastics
gym - gymnasium
mutt - muttonhead
pub - public house
pop - popular concert
trad - traditional jazz
fax - facsimile
bro - brother
frat - fraterniy

Fore-clipping

Fore-clipping or aphaeresis retains the final part.
Example:
phone - telephone
varsity - university
chute - parachute
coon - racoon
gator - alligator
pike - turnpike

Middle clipping

In middle clipping or syncope, the middle of the word is retained.
Examples:

flu - influenza
tec - detective
polly - apollinaris
jams - pyjamas
shrink - head-shrinkers