by connie grieco on January 25th, 2005
a word that mash together the sounds and meanings of 2 other words. for example smog (a blend of smoke and fog) or infomercial ( a lenghty commercial chock-full of product information)
by Carpediem COAT ab imo pectore on November 10th, 2008
"Portmanteau word" is used to describe a linguistic blend, namely "a word formed by blending sounds from two or more distinct words and combining their meanings".
Such a definition of "portmanteau word" overlaps with the grammatical term contraction, and linguists avoid using the former term in such cases. As an example: the words do + not become the contraction don't, a single word that represents the meaning of the combined words.
by kekebakardi on November 4th, 2008
The term “portmanteau word” was first used by Lewis Carroll in 1872 in the sixth chapter of favourite book for every English child”Through the Looking Glass”, to explain some words in the so called nonsense poem “Jabberwocky”: “Well ‘slithy’ means ‘lithe and slimy’ … you see it’s like a portmanteau - there are two meanings packed up into one word”, - says the author. And for us the meaning of the word is quite easier after its definition by Carroll.
This is a serious question. When people say "bullshit" why do they use that word. Why not "birdshit" or "catshit" When and why did people start saying "bullshit" as an expression of derision and contempt.
by josie is back to normal on November 16th, 2009
| 8 people like this
Open the winda. Eat your potatas. Yella paint. Do you know anyone that speaks like this?
by MusicalChef on October 16th, 2009
| 1 person likes this
What does MOFO mean?
by ispamalam on August 14th, 2009
| 1 person likes this
How do YOU define the word slut?
by EvangelineOFire on August 13th, 2009
| 8 people like this
Besides 'Oh My God', what else could OMG stand for? (Creativity counts)
by Oh that darn Vunessuh. on August 23rd, 2009
| 11 people like this
You're reading What is a portmanteau word?
Your favorite Q&A site is on Facebook! Become a fan to connect with the ever-growing community of Answerbaggers, share your thoughts and find out what Answerbag's up to next!
Comments