This article offers a linguistic reflection on word-formation mechanisms in contemporary Polish based on forms used in Stanisław Czernik’s story Gryzikamień and in Wiesław Przybyła’s study devoted to the writer. The author analyses the structure and functioning of compound nouns, especially formations built according to the verb + noun pattern as well as noun + noun combinations. Their stylistic markedness, productivity, and position within the tradition of the Polish language are discussed through numerous historical and contemporary examples. Particular attention is devoted to occasional formations such as wspomnieniobaśń (“memory-fairytale”) and życio-śmierć (“life-death”), whose semantic motivation and expressive potential are examined. The discussion is situated within a normative and historical-linguistic context, with references to Polish linguists’ views and dictionary conventions. The text has an interpretative and review-oriented character and contributes to the popularisation of knowledge about Polish word-formation models and their role in language culture.
