{"id":4403,"date":"2013-07-19T17:04:27","date_gmt":"2013-07-19T09:04:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/?p=4403"},"modified":"2024-06-05T10:17:09","modified_gmt":"2024-06-05T10:17:09","slug":"86-great-examples-of-portmanteau","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/86-great-examples-of-portmanteau\/","title":{"rendered":"86 Great Examples of Portmanteau"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

\"Portmanteau<\/a><\/h3>\n

A portmanteau is a word that is formed by combining two different terms to create a new entity. Through blending the sounds and meanings of two existing words, a portmanteau creates a new expression that is a linguistic blend of the two individual terms.<\/p>\n

For example breathalyzer<\/em> is the portmanteau word formed from combining breath <\/em>and analyzer<\/em>, while blog <\/em>is derived from the source words web <\/em>and log<\/em>.<\/p>\n

P.S. If you are interested in portmanteau lists, you may also find our examples of hyperbole<\/a> useful.<\/p>\n

The Origin of the Word Portmanteau<\/h3>\n

The term portmanteau<\/em> was first used by Humpty Dumpty in Lewis Carroll\u2019s Through the Looking Glass<\/em>:<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, \u2018slithy\u2019 means \u201clithe and slimy\u201d and \u2018mimsy\u2019 is \u201cflimsy and miserable\u201d. You see it’s like a portmanteau\u2014there are two meanings packed up into one word.\u201d<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the word portmanteau itself is also a blend of two different words: porter <\/em>(to carry) and manteau <\/em>(a cloak).<\/p>\n

Portmanteau words are extremely popular in modern-day English and new word combinations are regularly popping up. Below you will find 86 examples of portmanteau.<\/p>\n

If you like this, take a look at our list of words you shouldn’t use in an essay<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You may also appreciate our comprehensive guide to onomatopoeia examples<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

86 Examples of Portmanteau and Their Definitions<\/h3>\n
    \n
  1. administrivia <\/strong>(administrative\/trivia): Dull administration activities that must be completed.<\/li>\n
  2. affluenza <\/strong>(affluence\/influenza): The guilt or lack of motivation experienced by people who have made or inherited large amounts of money.<\/li>\n
  3. anacronym<\/strong> (anachronism\/acronym): An acronym that is derived from a phrase that is no longer in wide usage (for example, radar).<\/li>\n
  4. animatronic<\/strong> (animate\/electronics): Robots that are constructed to look like animals.<\/li>\n
  5. anticipointment<\/strong> (anticipation\/disappointment): The feeling of letdown one experiences when hype gives way to reality.<\/li>\n
  6. bionic <\/strong>(biology\/electronic): Artificial body parts that have been enhanced by technology.<\/li>\n
  7. bodacious <\/strong>(bold\/audacious): Insolent or unrestrained, extraordinary or impressively large.<\/li>\n
  8. Bollywood<\/strong> (Bombay\/Hollywood): The Indian movie industry.<\/li>\n
  9. Brangelina <\/strong>(Brad\/Angelina): Word used to describe the celebrity couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.<\/li>\n
  10. bromance<\/strong> (brother\/romance): A close relationship between two men.<\/li>\n
  11. brunch <\/strong>(breakfast + lunch): A meal that is eaten after breakfast but before lunch.<\/li>\n
  12. carjack<\/strong> (car\/hijack): To take someone\u2019s car by force.<\/li>\n
  13. celebutant(e)<\/strong> (celebrity\/debutant(e)): Someone who is famous for being famous but who has no apparent talent.<\/li>\n
  14. chillax<\/strong> (chill\/relax): Calm down, rest.<\/li>\n
  15. Chinglish<\/strong> (Chinese\/English): A variation of the English language as spoken by people of Chinese descent.<\/li>\n
  16. chocoholic<\/strong> (chocolate + alcoholic): Someone who eats excessive amounts of chocolate.<\/li>\n
  17. chortle<\/strong> (chuckle\/snort): Laugh in a breathy, gleeful way.<\/li>\n
  18. Chunnel<\/strong> (channel\/tunnel): Word used to describe the Channel Tunnel that runs between the UK and France.<\/li>\n
  19. cineplex <\/strong>(cinema\/complex): A movie theatre with several screens.<\/li>\n
  20. Cocacolonization<\/strong> (Coca-Cola\/colonization): The aggressive introduction or pervasive influence of American consumerism on other cultures.<\/li>\n
  21. cosplay<\/strong> (costume + play): Dressing up in costumes that resemble characters from popular culture.<\/li>\n
  22. craptacular<\/strong> (crap\/spectacular): Entertainment that is so poor in quality it captivating.<\/li>\n
  23. crunk<\/strong> (crazy\/drunk): Out of control after consuming alcohol.<\/li>\n
  24. cyborg <\/strong>(cybernetic\/organism): A human or fictional entity whose physiological functioning is enhanced by mechanical elements.<\/li>\n
  25. docusoap <\/strong>(documentary\/soap opera): A hybrid drama that follows the lives of real people over a given period of time.<\/li>\n
  26. dumbfound<\/strong> (dumb\/confound): Greatly astonish or amaze.<\/li>\n
  27. ebonics<\/strong> (ebony\/phonics): A distinct form of English that is spoken by people of African descent.<\/li>\n
  28. edutainment <\/strong>(education\/entertainment): Games or other forms of entertainment that have an educational aspect.<\/li>\n
  29. electrocution<\/strong> (electricity\/execution): Death by electricity.<\/li>\n
  30. emoticon<\/strong> (emotion\/icon): The use of keyboard characters to represent a facial expression.<\/li>\n
  31. evailable<\/strong> (electronic\/available): To be available online via an electronic method such as email.<\/li>\n
  32. faction<\/strong> (fact + fiction): A story, speech or novel that contains historical and real-life facts combined with invented information.<\/li>\n
  33. fanzine<\/strong> (fan\/magazine): A magazine that is targeted at fans of a specific genre.<\/li>\n
  34. feminazi<\/strong> (feminist\/Nazi): An extreme feminist.<\/li>\n
  35. flare<\/strong> (flame\/glare): A sudden brief burst of bright flame or light.<\/li>\n
  36. flexitarian<\/strong> (vegetarian\/flexible): A vegetarian who occasionally eats meat.<\/li>\n
  37. frankenfood<\/strong> (Frankenstein\/food): Genetically modified food.<\/li>\n
  38. frenemy<\/strong> (friend\/enemy): Someone who is supposed to be a friend but whose actions are more characteristic of a foe.<\/li>\n
  39. gaydar<\/strong> (gay\/radar): The ability to identify whether a person is homosexual based on an observation of their appearance and\/or behavior.<\/li>\n
  40. geocaching<\/strong> (geography + caching): A modern-day treasure hunt in which participants use a GPS to hide and seek containers.<\/li>\n
  41. ginormous <\/strong>(giant\/enormous): Large, huge.<\/li>\n
  42. glamping<\/strong> (glamour\/camping): Luxury camping.<\/li>\n
  43. glitz<\/strong> (glamour\/Ritz): Extravagant yet superficial.<\/li>\n
  44. guesstimate<\/strong> (guess + estimate): To estimate without solid facts or figures.<\/li>\n
  45. infomercial<\/strong> (information\/commercial): A television program that promotes a product in an informative and supposedly objective way.<\/li>\n
  46. infotainment<\/strong> (information + entertainment): Forms of popular media that blend information and entertainment together. Similar to edutainment (education + entertainment).<\/li>\n
  47. interrobang<\/strong> (interrogative\/bang): A combination of a question mark and an exclamation point.<\/li>\n
  48. irregardless<\/strong> (irrespective\/regardless).<\/li>\n
  49. internet<\/strong> (international\/network): A global system of interconnected computer networks. You can access our proofreading service via the Internet.<\/li>\n
  50. shero<\/strong>\u00a0(she\/hero): A woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.<\/li>\n
  51. jackalope<\/strong> (jackrabbit\/antelope): An antlered species of rabbit (mythical).<\/li>\n
  52. knowledgebase<\/strong> (knowledge\/database): Intellectual capital that is stored in a central area. Similar to wisdombase (wisdom\/database).<\/li>\n
  53. liger<\/strong> (lion\/tiger): A crossbreed between a lion and a tiger.<\/li>\n
  54. malware <\/strong>(malicious\/software): Computer programs that are designed to damage or disable computer systems.<\/li>\n
  55. mansplaining <\/strong>(man\/explaining): Explaining something to a woman in a condescending manner.<\/li>\n
  56. manwich<\/strong> (man\/sandwich): A sandwich made from any of the ingredients that are available in the fridge.<\/li>\n
  57. McMansion<\/strong> (McDonalds\/mansion): A blandly generic large house.<\/li>\n
  58. meld<\/strong> (melt\/weld): Blend\/combine.<\/li>\n
  59. metrosexual<\/strong> (metropolitan\/heterosexual): A man who appears to be inordinately concerned about personal aesthetics and\/or is perceived for this quality as being homosexual.<\/li>\n
  60. mockumentary<\/strong> (mock\/documentary): A genre of film and television in which fictitious events are presented in documentary-style manner.<\/li>\n
  61. modem<\/strong> (modulation\/demodulation): An electronic device that makes possible the transmission of data to or from a computer via telephone or other communication lines.<\/li>\n
  62. motel <\/strong>(motor\/hotel): Overnight accommodation designed for motorists.<\/li>\n
  63. motorcade<\/strong> (motor\/cavalcade): A procession of motor vehicles.<\/li>\n
  64. murse<\/strong> (man\/purse): A man\u2019s purse.<\/li>\n
  65. netizen<\/strong> (internet + citizen): An individual who is heavily involved with online activities.<\/li>\n
  66. Nintendinitis<\/strong> (Nintendo\/tendonitis): A condition caused by playing too many video games.<\/li>\n
  67. Oxbridge <\/strong>(Oxford\/Cambridge): An inclusive term that is used to describe both Oxford and Cambridge universities.<\/li>\n
  68. pregnesia<\/strong>: (pregnancy\/amnesia): The loss of your short-term memory as a result of pregnancy.<\/li>\n
  69. ridonkulous<\/strong> (ridiculous\/donkey): The epitome of ridiculous.<\/li>\n
  70. rockabilly <\/strong>(rock’n’roll\/hill-billy): A type of popular music, originating in the southeastern US in the 1950s, combining elements of rock and roll and country music.<\/li>\n
  71. skort<\/strong> (skirt\/shorts): A pair of shorts that resemble a skirt.<\/li>\n
  72. screenager<\/strong> (screen\/teenager): The typical adolescent who indulges excessively in screen entertainment.<\/li>\n
  73. scuzz<\/strong> (scum\/fuzz): Something that is regarded as disgusting.<\/li>\n
  74. shemale <\/strong>(she\/male\/female): A man disguised as a women.<\/li>\n
  75. shopaholic<\/strong> (shop\/alcoholic): An individual who is addicted to shopping and buying products.<\/li>\n
  76. smog <\/strong>(smoke + fog): A form of air pollution that has the qualities of both smoke and fog.<\/li>\n
  77. Spanglish<\/strong> (Spanish\/English): A hybrid language that combines English and Spanish.<\/li>\n
  78. spork<\/strong> (spoon\/fork): A hybrid form of cutlery.<\/li>\n
  79. stagflation<\/strong> (stagnation\/inflation): Persistent high inflation and unemployment accompanied by stagnant demand.<\/li>\n
  80. telethon<\/strong> (television\/marathon): A very long television program.<\/li>\n
  81. televangelist<\/strong> (television\/evangelist): An evangelist who regularly appears on television.<\/li>\n
  82. three-peat<\/strong> (three\/repeat): A third consecutive victory.<\/li>\n
  83. tomacco<\/strong> (tomato\/tobacco): A hybrid created by grafting a tomato plant onto the roots of a tobacco plant.<\/li>\n
  84. turducken<\/strong> (turkey\/duck\/chicken): A dish consisting of a de-boned chicken stuffed into a de-boned duck, which itself is stuffed into a de-boned turkey.<\/li>\n
  85. vidiot<\/strong> (video\/idiot): A habitual, undiscriminating watcher of television or videotapes.<\/li>\n
  86. workaholic<\/strong> (work\/alcoholic): An individual who works excessive hours.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Can you think of any examples of portmanteau? Leave a comment and share them with our readers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

      A portmanteau is a word that is formed by combining two different terms to create a new entity. Through blending the sounds and meanings of two existing words, a portmanteau creates a new expression that is a linguistic blend of the two individual terms. For example breathalyzer is the portmanteau word formed from combining … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4404,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4403","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-grammar-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4403","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4403"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4403\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10045,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4403\/revisions\/10045"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4403"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4403"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4403"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}