You may not be familiar with the term Portmanteau, but you likely make use of portmanteaus in your vocabulary more than you realize. A portmanteau word is a new word formed by combining two words, particularly the beginning of one word and the ending of the second word.
For example, take the word “brunch’. It’s a portmanteau word formed by combining the beginning of the word “breakfast- br” and the ending of the word “lunch- unch”. The new word created can either carry the meaning of the two original terms, or it may take on a new meaning altogether. In the above case, brunch refers to the meal taken between breakfast and lunch.
- Origin of Portmanteau | Portmanteau Meaning
- Uses of Portmanteau Words
- Portmanteau and Compound Words
- Portmanteau Examples
- Distinguish between portmanteau and compound words?
- What are some of the common portmanteau words?
- What are some of the names by which portmanteau words are known?
Origin of Portmanteau | Portmanteau Meaning
The term Portmanteau was given a new meaning and popularized by Lewis Carroll. The term has its origin in the French word for a large suitcase, made up of two words: “porter” which meant to carry, and “manteau” referring to a cloak.
The present meaning of Portmanteau first appeared in Lewis Carroll’s work Through the Looking Glass when Humpty Dumpty said: “Well, ‘slithy’ means ‘lithe and slimy’ and ‘mimsy’ is ‘flimsy and miserable. You see it’s like a portmanteau—there are two meanings packed up into one word.” Hence it was from this quote that portmanteau got its new meaning.
Learn about some of the Common Words that you can use in your everyday usage.
Uses of Portmanteau Words
The use of portmanteau words can be useful to you for several reasons. These include
- Portmanteau words provide clarity and specificity to what you write.
- These words are often used as literary devices due to their specific nature.
- A single term captures the essence of two different words. This helps you to keep your writing concise and clear. The originality of expression can also be maintained as you are free to create new words from existing words.
- The use of portmanteau words is not limited to literature alone. Science and technology also make use of portmanteaus. Examples include: genome- gene+ chromosome, malware – malicious+ software
Portmanteau and Compound Words
Remember! A portmanteau word is distinct from a compound word. The two should never be mistaken as the same and they are not interchangeable.
A portmanteau word is created by removing parts of the original words. On the other hand, compound words are formed by simply combining the original words without altering them. For example, if the word brunch was a compound word it would have been breakfast lunch. The word breakfast is a compound word formed by combining break and fast.
A portmanteau word is known as “frankenword” as it is a new word made up of parts of old words, just as Frankenstein’s creature is made up of various people’s body parts. Portmanteau words are also called “blended words” or “blends” referring to the way they mix terms.
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Portmanteau Examples
Given below is a list of portmanteau words that most of us are already familiar with along with their meanings:
| Portmanteau | Words Combined | Meaning |
| Brunch | Breakfast+ Lunch | Meal taken between breakfast and lunch |
| Spork | Spoon+ fork | An item that can be used is a fork and spoon |
| Podcast | Ipod+ Broadcast | A digital audio broadcasting format |
| Internet | International+ Network | Refers to a network of interconnected computers |
| Smog | Smoke+ Fog | The fogg that is mixed with smoke |
| Brexit | Britain+ Exit | Refers to the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union |
| Bollywood | Bombay+ Hollywood | Indian film industry |
| Electronic+ mail | The digital alternative to paper mail | |
| Frenemy | Friend+ enemy | Someone who acts as a friend despite enmity. |
| Mocktail | mock+ cocktail | A cocktail that does not contain alcohol |
| Vlog | Video+ log | A video-based diary available online |
| Hangry | Hungry+ angry | Irritated as a result of hunger. |
| Fortnight | Fourteen+ night | Time of two weeks |
| Motel | Motor+ hotel | Stay designed for motorists |
| Stash | Store+ cache | Refers to hidden treasures |
| Bit | Binary+ digit | The fundamental unit of digital information |
| Malware | Malicious+ software | Software that causes harm to computers |
| Biopic | Biography+ picture | Movie about a rwal person’s life |
| Edutainment | Education+ entertainment | Entertainment that educates viewers |
| Newscast | News+ broadcast | Television show about recent events |
| Netiquette | Network+ etiquette | Proper online manners |
| Webinar | Web+ seminar | Meeting conducted online |
| Jeggings | Jeans+ leggins | Leggings that is made of denim material |
FAQs on Portmanteau List
1. Distinguish between portmanteau and compound words?
A portmanteau word is distinct from a compound word. A portmanteau word is created by removing parts of the original words. On the other hand, the compound word is formed by simply combining the original words without altering them.
2. What are some of the common portmanteau words?
A portmanteau word is a new word formed by combining two words, particularly the beginning of one word and the ending of the second word. Examples include brunch, motel, Bollywood, spork, etc.
3. What are some of the names by which portmanteau words are known?
A portmanteau word is known as “frankenword” as it is a new word made up of parts of old words, just as Frankenstein’s creature is made up of various people’s body parts. Portmanteau words are also called “blended words” or “blends” referring to the way they mix terms.
Conclusion
Portmanteau words are a great way to enhance your creativity. The addition of portmanteaus will improve your writing skills as you are freely engaged in the creation of new words. The use of portmanteaus also attracts the readers as they enjoy the experience of encountering new words. If you are about to enhance your vocabulary base then this article on How to Improve Vocabulary Words is definitely for you.