A portmanteau (pronounced: port-mahn-tow) is the combination of multiple words to create a new word.
The concept was first introduced by author Lewis Carroll in his novel Through the Looking Glass, in which Humpty Dumpty explains to Alice how words can be combined:
“You see it’s like a portmanteau—there are two meanings packed up into one word.“
Interestingly, “portmanteau” is itself a portmanteau! It comes from the French words porter, meaning “to carry” and manteau, meaning “mantle.” The word originally referred to a travel suitcase that had two equal parts.
Examples of Portmanteaus
Here are the most common portmanteaus used in everyday speech and writing. Some of these you know as portmanteaus, but a few might shock you!
| Portmanteau | Words combined |
|---|---|
| Cosplay | Costume + Roleplay |
| Infomercial | Information + Commercial |
| Listicle | List + Article |
| Newscast | News + Broadcast |
| Pokemon | Pocket + Monsters |
| Prequel | Pre + Sequel |
| Romcom | Romance + Comedy |
| Telethon | Television + Marathon |
| Affluenza | Affluent + Influenza |
| Smog | Smoke + Fog |
| Dumbfounded | Dumb + Confounded |
| Shepherd | Sheep + Herder |
| Splatter | Splash + Spatter |
| Podcast | iPod + Broadcast |
| Breathalyzer | Breath + Analyzer |
| Velcro | Velvet + Crochet |
| Bionic | Biology + Electronic |
| Vlog | Video + Blog |
| Cyborg | Cybernetic + Organism |
| Malware | Malicious + Software |
| Netiquette | Internet + Etiquette |
| Cronut | Croissant + Doughnut |
| Frappucino | Frappe + Cappuccino |
| Liger | Lion + Tiger |
| Brainiac | Brain + Maniac |
| Chillax | Chill + Relax |
| Hangry | Hungry + Angry |
| Jeggings | Jeans + Leggings |
| Sheeple | Sheep + People |
| Athleisure | Athletic + Leisure |
Portmanteaus vs. Contractions or Compounds
Portmanteaus are sometimes confused with contractions or compound words. Here are key differences between the three to help you distinguish them from each other:
In most portmanteaus, some syllables or letters are removed when combining multiple words. Though contractions also do this, they’re mostly words that naturally appear in sequence rather than random words put together to create a new meaning. They’re also almost always accompanied by an apostrophe to signal a contraction. So do not is shortened to don’t; let us to let’s; I am to I’m, and so on.
Compound words, on the other hand, are words in complete form that are combined together. No syllables or words are cut off, unlike in portmanteaus. While portmanteaus can make you guess at the original words used to form them, compound words are straightforward. Homework is work you do at home; rowboat is a boat you row; teaspoon is a spoon used for tea, and so on.
How Are Portmanteaus Made?
Most portmanteaus follow a pattern: combine the first half of one word with the second half of another word.
Examples:
- Drama + Comedy = Dramedy
- Snide + Remark = Snark
- Animation + Electronics = Animatronics
But sometimes a portmanteau is a combination of the first halves of each word.
Examples:
- Situational + Comedy = Sitcom
- Biography + Picture = Biopic
- Internal + Communication = Intercom
There are no strict rules about how portmanteaus are formed. It’s mostly about what combination is most pleasing to write and say. The entertainment business and social media regularly create buzzwords like these that bank on their catchiness, rather than technical correctness.
Bring Wordplay to Your Writing
There’s a lot of space for creativity when it comes to portmanteaus. People often use them when christening new inventions (the cronut), labeling popular couples (Brangelina), and anything that’s currently relevant, really.
Portmanteaus keep your words economical and fun! There is such a thing as going overboard, though. A few fun words are cool, but using too many can make your writing seem unprofessional or even frustrate your readers. The important thing is that you know your audience will understand the portmanteau, and that using it enhances your writing, rather than distracting from it.
What are your favorite portmanteaus? Share them in the comments below!
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- To or Too: Grammar Explained
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- Its or It’s: Grammar Explained by an Expert
Cole is a blog writer and aspiring novelist. He has a degree in Communications and is an advocate of media and information literacy and responsible media practices. Aside from his interest in technology, crafts, and food, he’s also your typical science fiction and fantasy junkie, spending most of his free time reading through an ever-growing to-be-read list. It’s either that or procrastinating over actually writing his book. Wish him luck!
