Definition:
A “portmanteau” is a linguistic blend of words in which parts of multiple words are combined into a new word. The new word often retains the meanings and sounds of its components.
Etymology:
The term “portmanteau” comes from the French word “portemanteau,” which means a suitcase or a coat rack. The original meaning of “portmanteau” refers to a type of suitcase that opens into two equal parts, metaphorically linking the concept of combining two items into one. The linguistic meaning was popularized by Lewis Carroll in “Through the Looking-Glass (1871),” where he used “portmanteau” to describe blended words like “slithy” (from “lithe” and “slimy”), “chortle” (from “chuckle” and “snort”), “Galumph” (from “gallop” and “triumphant”), “frabjous” (from “fabulous” and “joyous”), and “mimsy” (from “miserable” and “flimsy”).
Description:
Types of Portmanteaus:
- Simple Blends: Combining parts of two words, usually the beginning of one and the end of another (e.g., “brunch” from “breakfast” and “lunch”).
- Complex Blends: Merging multiple words or parts of words to create a new term (e.g., “motel” from “motor” and “hotel”).
Examples of Portmanteaus:
- Affluenza (affluence + influenza) – A condition arising from the desire to be wealthy; the inability to understand the consequences of one‘s actions because of financial privilege.
- Bitmoji (bit + emoji) – A personalized emoji that can be used in various messaging apps and social media.
- Blog (web + log) – A regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
- Breathalyzer (breath + analyzer) – A device used by police for measuring the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath.
- Brunch (breakfast + lunch) – A late morning meal that combines elements of breakfast and lunch.
- Chillax (chill + relax) – Calm down and relax.
- Cosplay (costume + play) – The practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, especially one from the Japanese genres of manga or anime.
- Edutainment (education + entertainment) – Content that is both educational and entertaining, often used for children’s learning programs.
- Email (electronic + mail) – Messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients via a network.
- Fauxhawk (faux + mohawk) – A hairstyle that is a toned-down version of the Mohawk, where hair is raised along the top of the head, but not shaved on the sides.
- Frenemy (friend + enemy) – A person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry.
- Ginormous (gigantic + enormous) – Extremely large.
- Glamping (glamorous + camping) – A style of camping with amenities and, in some cases, resort-style services not usually associated with traditional camping.
- Greenwash (green + whitewash) – Disinformation disseminated by an organization so as to present an environmentally responsible public image.
- Guesstimate (guess + estimate) – An informal estimate made without using precise data.
- Infomercial (information + commercial) – A television program that promotes a product in an informative and supposedly objective way.
- Jeggings (jeans + leggings) – Tight-fitting stretch pants that combine elements of jeans and leggings.
- Listicle (list + article) – An article presented in the form of a list.
- Mockumentary (mock + documentary) – A type of film or television show in which fictional events are presented in documentary format.
- Motel (motor + hotel) – A type of hotel designed primarily for motorists, typically with parking areas for motor vehicles.
- Netiquette (Internet + etiquette) – The correct or acceptable way of communicating on the Internet.
- Screenager (screen + teenager) – A young person considered in terms of their frequent and intense use of electronic devices with screens.
- Sheeple (sheep + people) – people who follow others unquestioningly.
- Shopaholic (shop + alcoholic) – A person addicted to shopping.
- Smog (smoke + fog) – Fog or haze combined with smoke and other atmospheric pollutants.
- Spork (spoon + fork) – A utensil that combines the functions of a spoon and a fork.
- Sportscaster (sports + broadcaster) – A person who reports and comments on sporting events.
- Staycation (stay + vacation) – A vacation spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.
- Televangelist (television + evangelist) – A preacher who conducts religious services through television broadcasting.
- Webinar (web + seminar) – An interactive seminar conducted over the Internet.
- Workaholic (work + alcoholic) – A person who compulsively works hard and long hours.