Reading through this thread makes me question the literacy level of some of you.
Let's say I make skipping super popular. Everyone does it and associates me with it. Everyone starts skipping everywhere. Would that give me the right to trademark the word, even though it existed and was it in use before?
Just the word mind you, not the process.
It would justify your attempt, at the very least. Your reasoning would make sense, regardless of how willing courts would be to apply it.