Portmanteau Word (Noun)
Meaning
A new word formed by joining two others and combining their meanings; "`smog' is a blend of `smoke' and `fog'"; "`motel' is a portmanteau word made by combining `motor' and `hotel'"; "`brunch' is a well-known portmanteau".
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The word "brunch" is a popular portmanteau word that combines breakfast and lunch.
- "Infomercial" is a portmanteau word formed from "information" and "commercial".
- "Chillax" is a modern portmanteau word created by combining "chill" and "relax".
- "Motel" is a classic example of a portmanteau word made from "motor" and "hotel".
- The portmanteau word "televangelist" was coined by joining "television" and "evangelist".