Brexit and Grexit

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Grammarist

Grexit describes the possibility of the country of Greece leaving the European Union. The word Grexit was coined by economists Ebrahim Rahbari and Willem Buiter in 2012, by combining the words Greek and exit. Grexit appears in the Oxford English Dictionary.

Brexit describes the possibility of the country of Britain leaving the European Union. The word Brexit was coined by The Economist magazine in 2012, possibly influenced by the creation of the term Grexit. Brexit is a combination of the words British and exit. Brexit also appears in the Oxford English Dictionary. Note that Grexit and Brexit are capitalized due to the fact that these words have been created from proper names.

Examples

SLIGHT progress has been made in talks to avert a Grexit from the eurozone, but for the majority of voters their modern-day Greek tragedy inexorably moves on. (The National)

With the “unanimous” agreement this morning, it would appear that the danger of an open split at Europe’s core has been averted, along with the risk of Grexit. (The Guardian)

Huge sums of Greek money sitting on the sidelines would probably flood back into the country once the Grexit boil had been lanced. (The Business Insider)

Did Shakespeare anticipate the EU referendum and the consequences of Brexit? (The Telegraph)

George said investors concerned about the risk of a Brexit should avoid the country’s banking sector. (USA Today)

If the June 23 poll leads to Brexit, however, European players would in theory be subject to the same work permit rules as other overseas footballers. (The Sun)

German unit HVB is not bracing for a potential departure of Great Britain from the European Union or Brexit as it sees that as an unlikely event, its Chief Executive said. (Reuters)