Portmanteau

What is a Portmanteau? – Definition

A portmanteau is a linguistic blend of words in which parts of multiple words are combined into a new word, typically by merging the sounds and meanings. This device is often used to create catchy, concise terms that convey a combined meaning.

Generated Portmanteau Examples

Download Portmanteau Examples

Enhance your understanding with our comprehensive PDF guide.

Download PDF

Examples of Portmanteau

emoji_objects Smog – A combination of smoke and fog, describing polluted air. edit content_copy
local_cafe Brunch – A meal that serves as both breakfast and lunch. edit content_copy
hotel Motel – A combination of motor and hotel, referring to a roadside hotel designed for motorists. edit content_copy
campaign Infomercial – A blend of information and commercial, typically a long advertisement that provides information about a product. edit content_copy
people Spork – A utensil that combines a spoon and a fork. edit content_copy
attach_money Guesstimate – A combination of guess and estimate, meaning an estimate made without sufficient information. edit content_copy
people Frenemy – A blend of friend and enemy, referring to someone who is both a friend and a rival. edit content_copy
rss_feed Blog – Short for “weblog,” it refers to a regularly updated website or web page, typically run by an individual or small group. edit content_copy
mood Emoticon – A blend of emotion and icon, representing facial expressions using keyboard characters. edit content_copy
language Webinar – A combination of web and seminar, referring to an online seminar or workshop. edit content_copy

lightbulb_outline Brangelina – A celebrity couple name combining Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. edit content_copy
directions_car Labradoodle – A dog breed resulting from crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. edit content_copy
business_center Frappuccino – A Starbucks beverage name blending frappé and cappuccino. edit content_copy
pets Ginormous – A blend of gigantic and enormous, meaning extremely large. edit content_copy
video_call Mockumentary – A genre blending mock and documentary, typically a satirical film or TV show presented in documentary style. edit content_copy
group_work Spanglish – A mix of Spanish and English languages. edit content_copy
eco Eco-friendly – Combining ecology and friendly, meaning environmentally friendly. edit content_copy
event_seat Webinar – A blend of web and seminar, referring to an online seminar or workshop. edit content_copy
directions_bus Blogosphere – A combination of blog and sphere, referring to the collective community of all blogs. edit content_copy
sports_esports Infotainment – Blending information and entertainment, referring to media that is intended both to inform and entertain. edit content_copy

sports_esports Cosplay – A blend of costume and play, referring to dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game. edit content_copy
videogame_asset Jeggings – A combination of jeans and leggings, referring to tight-fitting leggings made to look like jeans. edit content_copy
emoji_flags Hangry – A blend of hungry and angry, describing the feeling of being irritable due to hunger. edit content_copy
directions_run Ginormous – A combination of gigantic and enormous, meaning extremely large. edit content_copy
local_florist Frenemy – A blend of friend and enemy, referring to someone who is both a friend and a rival. edit content_copy
pool Sitcom – A combination of situation and comedy, referring to a genre of comedy centered around a fixed set of characters in a consistent environment. edit content_copy
movie Spanglish – A mix of Spanish and English languages. edit content_copy
bookmark Glamping – A blend of glamorous and camping, referring to a style of camping with amenities and comforts not usually associated with traditional camping. edit content_copy
code Blogosphere – A combination of blog and sphere, referring to the collective community of all blogs. edit content_copy
rss_feed Infotainment – Blending information and entertainment, referring to media that is intended both to inform and entertain. edit content_copy

Types of Portmanteau

Blended Portmanteau

A portmanteau created by merging the beginning of one word with the end of another.

check_circle Smog – Smoke + Fog edit content_copy
check_circle Brunch – Breakfast + Lunch edit content_copy
check_circle Motel – Motor + Hotel edit content_copy
check_circle Spork – Spoon + Fork edit content_copy
check_circle Blog – Web + Log edit content_copy

Compound Portmanteau

A portmanteau formed by directly combining two whole words without blending their parts.

check_circle Mockumentary – Mock + Documentary edit content_copy
check_circle Ginormous – Gigantic + Enormous edit content_copy
check_circle Infotainment – Information + Entertainment edit content_copy
check_circle Cosplay – Costume + Play edit content_copy
check_circle Frappuccino – Frappé + Cappuccino edit content_copy

Creative Portmanteau

A portmanteau created for artistic or humorous effect, often unique to specific contexts or works.

check_circle Frenemy – Friend + Enemy edit content_copy
check_circle Hangry – Hungry + Angry edit content_copy
check_circle Breathalyzer – Breath + Analyzer edit content_copy
check_circle Smombie – Smartphone + Zombie edit content_copy
check_circle Bollywood – Bombay + Hollywood edit content_copy

Functional Portmanteau

Portmanteaus created to describe specific functions or tools by combining relevant terms.

check_circle Frappuccino – Frappé + Cappuccino edit content_copy
check_circle Mockumentary – Mock + Documentary edit content_copy
check_circle Spanglish – Spanish + English edit content_copy
check_circle Blogosphere – Blog + Sphere edit content_copy
check_circle Infotainment – Information + Entertainment edit content_copy

Cultural Portmanteau

Portmanteaus that emerge from cultural phenomena, trends, or societal changes.

check_circle Brexit – Britain + Exit edit content_copy
check_circle Bromance – Brother + Romance edit content_copy
check_circle Mansplain – Man + Explain edit content_copy
check_circle Staycation – Stay + Vacation edit content_copy
check_circle Hangry – Hungry + Angry edit content_copy

Descriptive Portmanteau

Portmanteaus that succinctly describe a concept or object by merging relevant terms.

check_circle Breathalyzer – Breath + Analyzer edit content_copy
check_circle Ginormous – Gigantic + Enormous edit content_copy
check_circle Mockumentary – Mock + Documentary edit content_copy
check_circle Frappuccino – Frappé + Cappuccino edit content_copy
check_circle Blogosphere – Blog + Sphere edit content_copy

How to Identify/Find Portmanteau?

To identify a portmanteau, look for words that appear to blend two distinct words into one, often creating a new meaning that combines elements of both original terms.

search Look for words that seem to be a fusion of two separate words.
highlight Check if the word combines the sounds and meanings of the original words.
compare Determine if the new word conveys a concept that relates to both original words.
visibility Observe if the word is used in specific contexts like technology, culture, or media.
layers Identify if the word enhances description by merging relevant attributes.

How to Use Portmanteau?

Use portmanteaus to create memorable and expressive language that succinctly conveys combined meanings. They can add creativity and flair to your writing or speech.

create Craft new terms by blending relevant words to capture specific concepts.
brush Use portmanteaus to enhance creativity and engage your audience with unique vocabulary.
build Integrate portmanteaus in branding or marketing to create catchy product names.
lightbulb Ensure that the blended words logically connect and make sense in the given context.
update Balance the use of portmanteaus with standard language to maintain clarity and understanding.

Other Portmanteau Examples

Portmanteau in Daily Writing

Everyday writing can utilize portmanteaus to enhance narrative creativity and reader engagement.

check_circle I love how technology simplifies my daily tasks. edit content_copy
check_circle Our new brunch spot offers the best coffee in town. edit content_copy
check_circle She always carries her smartphone wherever she goes. edit content_copy
check_circle The smog in the city has become a major environmental concern. edit content_copy
check_circle Our family enjoys going camping during the summer holidays. edit content_copy

Portmanteau Examples for Kids

Introduce children to portmanteaus with simple and relatable examples that demonstrate the fusion of words.

check_circle The smog made it hard to see the playground. edit content_copy
check_circle We had a delicious brunch with pancakes and eggs. edit content_copy
check_circle The spork is perfect for eating both soup and salad. edit content_copy
check_circle Our new blog shares fun stories and tips for kids. edit content_copy
check_circle He used an emoticon to show he was happy. edit content_copy

Portmanteau Examples for Students

Provide students with examples that showcase the versatility and creativity of portmanteaus in academic writing.

check_circle Analyzing portmanteaus in contemporary literature reveals the innovative ways authors play with language. edit content_copy
check_circle Portmanteaus like “brunch” effectively encapsulate dual concepts, enhancing linguistic efficiency. edit content_copy
check_circle The strategic use of portmanteaus in marketing language can significantly impact consumer engagement. edit content_copy
check_circle Understanding portmanteaus is essential for comprehending modern linguistic trends and cultural shifts. edit content_copy
check_circle Portmanteaus serve as a creative tool for writers to introduce new ideas and concepts succinctly. edit content_copy

Portmanteau Examples for Class 4

Age-appropriate and engaging portmanteau examples for younger students to grasp the concept easily.

check_circle I love how smog makes the city look mysterious. edit content_copy
check_circle We went to brunch and enjoyed both breakfast and lunch. edit content_copy
check_circle The spork is great for both soup and salad. edit content_copy
check_circle Our blog shares fun stories and tips for kids. edit content_copy
check_circle He used an emoticon to show he was happy. edit content_copy

Explore Other Literary Devices

emoji_objects Allegory format_quote Alliteration insert_comment Allusion swap_horiz Analogy repeat Anaphora info Anecdote whatshot Antagonist arrow_forward Antecedent swap_vert Antithesis star Archetype music_note Assonance beenhere Cliché record_voice_over Colloquialism verified Content Validity edit Context launch Deus ex Machina language Diction music_off Dissonance loop Double Entendre clear Double Negative comment Epigram input Epilogue repeat_one Epistrophe badge Epithet healing Euphemism event_note Exposition warning Fallacy brush Figurative Language gesture Figure of Speech history Flashback face Foil Character block Gaslighting gesture Gerund gesture Gerund Phrase note Haiku warning Hamartia flash_on Hyperbole gesture Idiom image Imagery sentiment_neutral Irony code Jargon gesture Asyndeton music_note Limerick thumb_down Litotes favorite_border Love Language directions Metonymy sentiment_neutral Mood compare Non sequiturs music_note Onomatopoeia sports_martial_arts Oxymoron speed Pacing autorenew Paradox swap_calls Parallel Structure repeat Parallelism sentiment_satisfied Pathos sync Peripeteia person Persona emoji_nature Personification timeline Plot visibility Point of View campaign Propaganda person_outline Protagonist tag_faces Pun repeat_one Repetition forum Rhetorical Context emoji_emotions Rizz mood_bad Sarcasm sentiment_dissatisfied Satire place Setting gesture Simile gesture Homonym subject Simple Subject emoji_objects Portmanteau music_video Story Beat subtitles Subplot textsms Subtext gesture Symbolism directions_boat Synecdoche style Theme volume_up Tone

Elevate Your AP English Preparation

Unlock your potential with our comprehensive AP English exam preparation tools designed to help you excel.

quiz Extensive Question Bank: Access 900+ exam-like questions for both AP English Language and Literature.
school Expertly Crafted: Questions mirror the structure and difficulty of actual AP exams, ensuring relevant practice.
insights Detailed Explanations: Understand your mistakes with clear, concise breakdowns of correct and incorrect answers.
person Personalized Learning: Tailor your study sessions with topic-specific tests and adaptive learning tools.
library_books Comprehensive Coverage: Master all aspects of the AP English curriculum with extensive guides and resources.

Start Practicing AP English Language Start Practicing AP English Literature

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full meaning of portmanteau?

A portmanteau is a linguistic blend of words in which parts of multiple words are combined into a new word, typically by merging the sounds and meanings.
How is a portmanteau different from a compound word?

While both portmanteaus and compound words combine two words, portmanteaus blend parts of each word to create a new word with a combined meaning, whereas compound words simply place two whole words together.
Can you give an example of a portmanteau?

A common example is “smog,” which blends “smoke” and “fog” to describe polluted air.
What is the purpose of using portmanteaus?

Portmanteaus are used to create catchy, concise terms that convey combined meanings, enhancing creativity and expressiveness in language.
Are portmanteaus widely accepted in formal writing?

Portmanteaus are more commonly found in informal contexts, branding, and creative writing. Their acceptance in formal writing depends on the context and clarity they provide.
Who coined the term portmanteau?

The term “portmanteau” originates from the French words “porter” (to carry) and “manteau” (coat), first used metaphorically by Lewis Carroll in *Through the Looking-Glass* to describe blended words.