Novelty

Novelty (derived from Latin word novus for "new") is the quality of being new, or following from that, of being striking, original or unusual.[1] Novelty may be the shared experience of a new cultural phenomenon or the subjective perception of an individual.[2]

From the meaning of being unusual usage is derived the concept of the novelty dance (a type of dance that is popular for being unusual or humorous); the novelty song (a musical item that capitalizes on something new, unusual, or a current fad); the novelty show (a competition or display in which exhibits or specimens are in way some novel); and novelty architecture (a building or other structure that is interesting because it has an amusing design). It is also this sense that applies to a novelty item, a small manufactured adornment, toy or collectible. These, in turn are often used as promotional merchandise in marketing.[3] The chess term, novelty, is used for a move in chess which has never been played before in a recorded game.[4]

The term can have pejorative sense and refer to a mere innovation. However, novelty in patent law is part of the legal test to determine whether an invention is patentable.[5] A novelty effect is the tendency for performance to initially improve when new technology is instituted.[6]

  1. ^ "Novelty". Merriam-Webster.com. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  2. ^ Berlyne, D.E. (1960). Conflict, arousal, and curiosity. McGraw-Hill Book Company.
  3. ^ "Tips On Choosing the Right Novelty for your Market". ThemeLib. April 9, 2011. Archived from the original on 2011-04-14. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  4. ^ Iryna Zenyuk (August 12, 2010). "Endgame Novelty". chess.com. Retrieved January 27, 2012.
  5. ^ Mary Bellis. "Guide To Patenting And USPTO Patent Applications". About.com Inventors. Archived from the original on July 9, 2012. Retrieved January 22, 2012.
  6. ^ "Spider-man renewed and the novelty effect". Thought Gadgets. Retrieved January 22, 2012.