
Portmanteau words are some typical words in English that are formed by blending two different words to create a new word that conveys the meaning of both. The new word is created by combining the first part of one word and the end of another word.
Parts of the original words are usually omitted in the blending process. Portmanteau words are useful, engaging, and commonly used in modern English. Examples of portmanteau words are:
Brunch (breakfast + lunch)—A meal between breakfast and lunch
Smog (smoke + fog)—An intense fog due to smoke and pollution
These combined words help us express some specific meaning for which any single existing word is not appropriate. The use of portmanteau words makes English communication crisp, creative, and interesting.
Also read: List of Dictation Words
The word "portmanteau" was originally introduced by the author Lewis Carroll in his famous book Through the Looking-Glass to describe blended words like "slithy" (slimy + lithe).
In modern English, "portmanteau" meaning indicates words that are created with the combination of the beginning of a word and the ending of another word and keep the meaning of each.
Portmanteau words make English communication more expressive, catchy, and unique. They allow us to express new ideas or incidents vividly, especially when new concepts are evolving. Portmanteau words serve many useful purposes as follows:
It helps shorten long phrases.
It helps to describe new inventions.
It can be rightly used to capture modern culture.
It makes communication clearer and faster.
It helps to make branding catchy and innovative.
Also read: Easy Tips to Improve English Vocabulary
Portmanteau words in sentences have become quite common in everyday communication. Brands, filmmakers, musicians, and social media creators use them frequently to create an impact on the customers and audiences.
Here is a list of portmanteau words that helps your child expand their vocabulary and make the language more enriching and exciting.
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List of 50 Portmanteau Words in English |
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|
Sr. No. |
Portmanteau Words |
Source words |
Meaning |
|
1 |
Motel |
motor + hotel |
A roadside hotel meant for motorists |
|
2 |
Infotainment |
information + entertainment |
Information that includes entertaining features |
|
3 |
Webinar |
web + seminar |
Seminar conducted on online platform |
|
4 |
Bollywood |
Bombay + Hollywood |
The Bombay film industry |
|
5 |
Chillax |
chill + relax |
To calm down and relax |
|
6 |
Workaholic |
work + alcoholic |
A person who keeps working the whole time |
|
7 |
Anklet |
anklet + bracelet |
A bracelet-like ornament worn around the ankle |
|
8 |
Glamping |
glamour + camping |
Camping that includes luxurious comforts |
|
9 |
Staycation |
stay + vacation |
Staying at a place while spending a vacation |
|
10 |
Netizen |
Net + citizen |
Frequent users of internet |
|
11 |
Emoticon |
emotion + icon |
Emotions expressed through icons |
|
12 |
Brangelina |
Brad + Angelina |
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie |
|
13 |
Pixel |
picture + element |
Tiniest part of a digital image |
|
14 |
Hangry |
hungry + angry |
Angry as a result of hunger |
|
15 |
Medicare |
medical + care |
Providing care using medicinal facilities |
|
16 |
Prequel |
previous + sequel |
sequel to a film that occurs earlier in the timeline |
|
17 |
Autotune |
automatic + tune |
Automatic adjustment of tunes |
|
18 |
Romcom |
romantic + comedy |
Refers to a romantic comedy |
|
19 |
Vlog |
video + log |
A video record of media, travel, entertainment |
|
20 |
Malware |
malicious + software |
Software that might affect digital operations |
|
21 |
Netiquette |
internet + etiquette |
Disciplines followed by internet users |
|
22 |
Fantabulous |
fantastic + fabulous |
Extremely amazing |
|
23 |
|
electronic + mail |
Electronic alternative to paper mail |
|
24 |
Mocktail |
mock + cocktail |
A non-alcoholic drink with soft drinks and fruit juices |
|
25 |
E-commerce |
electronic + commerce |
Commercial activities using electronic or online medium |
|
26 |
Alphanumeric |
alphabetic + numeric |
combination of letters and numbers |
|
27 |
Biopic |
biography + picture |
A biographical movie |
|
28 |
Intercom |
internal + communication |
A two-way speaker system at a location |
|
29 |
Listicle |
list + article |
An article formatted as a list |
|
30 |
Podcast |
iPod + broadcast |
A digital audio program that can be downloaded |
|
31 |
Spork |
spoon + fork |
An eating utensil that serves as both a spoon and a fork |
|
32 |
Edutainment |
education + entertainment |
Entertainment meant to educate its viewers |
|
33 |
Transponder |
transmission + responder |
A device that receives signals and sends responses |
|
34 |
Paralympics |
parallel + Olympics |
International event for athletes with disabilities |
|
35 |
Screenshot |
screen + snapshot |
A snapshot of mobile or computer display |
|
36 |
Telemarketing |
telephone + marketing |
A marketing procedure through telephones |
|
36 |
Telemedicine |
Telephone + medicine |
Medical consultation through telephones |
|
37 |
Motorcycle |
motorised + bicycle |
A motorbike |
|
38 |
frenemy |
friend + enemy |
Who pretends to be a friend despite a rivalry |
|
39 |
Guesstimate |
guess + estimate |
An estimate based on guess |
|
40 |
Fortnight |
fourteen + night |
Fourteen nights or two weeks |
|
41 |
metaverse |
meta + universe |
a virtual environment for social connection |
|
42 |
newscast |
news + broadcast |
a radio or television segment featuring news |
|
43 |
Modem |
modulator + demodulator |
A device for modulation and demodulation |
|
44 |
Shopaholic |
shopping + alcoholic |
One who is engrossed in shopping |
|
45 |
cosplay |
costume + roleplay |
Where people dress as fictional characters |
|
46 |
advertorial |
advertisement + editorial |
an advertisement formatted as a written editorial |
|
47 |
Botox |
botulism + toxin |
A drug that uses botulism to treat aging of the skin |
|
48 |
hazmat |
hazardous + material |
substances that are dangerous to handle |
|
49 |
jeggings |
jeans + leggings |
leggings designed to resemble denim jeans |
|
50 |
Telematics |
telecommunication + informatics |
The technology used to receive and transmit information |
Also read: List of Homophones Words With Examples
Understanding portmanteau words becomes easier for students when they learn how to use them in sentences in different contexts. Here are some examples of portmanteau words used in sentences to make the communication more effective:
We decided to go glamping to enjoy comfort while being close to nature.
The city was covered in smog after days of pollution.
Many people nowadays prefer a staycation instead of travelling.
She uploaded a new vlog about her trip to Dubai.
We organized a webinar where experts discussed malware.
Amazon has emerged as a leading e-commerce platform.
Romcoms provide a lot of entertainment to audiences.
Solo travelers often prefer to stay at motels.
Sangeeta’s podcast show has become very popular.
There was a huge response from netizens on the actor’s post on social media.
Portmanteau words add fun, creativity, and innovation to the English language. Knowing how to use portmanteau words suitably in a sentence can enrich the language skills of students. From everyday communication to creative writing, these blended words make English dynamic and expressive.
Also read: List of Thre˚e Letter Words in English
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