* Combining existing words in a novel way: For example, "time-traveling toaster" is original because those words haven't been used together in that specific context before.
* Coining new words: "Blog" was originally a unique combination of "web log" and was considered an original phrase before it became a common word.
* Using existing words with a new meaning: "To Google something" is an original phrase because it's a verb derived from the name of a company, giving it a unique meaning in the context of searching for information.
However, it's important to consider that truly original phrases are rare. Most phrases are likely to have some level of similarity to existing ones.
Here's what makes a phrase more original:
* Higher level of novelty: The more unexpected the combination of words, the more original it is.
* Specificity: A phrase that refers to a very particular concept or situation is more likely to be original than a general phrase.
* Contextual relevance: An original phrase is more impactful when it is used in a specific context that highlights its uniqueness.
Ultimately, whether a phrase is considered original is a matter of perception and context. What might seem original in one situation may be commonplace in another.