What Are Portmanteau Words?

Definition

Portmanteau words, also called blends, are words formed by merging or blending two or more existing words.

The words “breakfast” and “lunch” blended from the portmanteau word “brunch”.

The words “breakfast” and “lunch” blended form the portmanteau word “brunch.’’
A brunch is a meal combining both breakfast and lunch. It is usually eaten in the late morning.

Be careful!

Although portmanteaus can be used in most situations, they are generally used in informal situations and creative writing.

How Are Portmanteau Words Formed?

Most portmanteaus are formed with the first segment of one word and the last of another.

Word 1	Word 2	Portmanteau	Meaning
costume	roleplay	cosplay	Dressing up as a movie/book/video game character.
television	marathon	telethon	Long televised fundraising event.
jeans	legging	jegging	Tight-fitting stretched pants that look like denim jeans.

However, some portmanteaus blend the first segments of both words.

Word 1	Word 2	Portmanteau	Meaning
romantic	comedy	romcom	Movie or television program about love that intends to make the audience laugh.
interconnected	communication	intercom	Device equipped with a microphone and a loudspeaker used to communicate with someone who is in a different place.
frozen	yogurt	froyo	A yogurt-based frozen dessert.

In other cases, some portmanteaus contain a full word mixed with a letter or a fragment of another word.

Word 1	Word 2	Portmanteau	Meaning
hungry	angry	hangry	Being irritable because of hunger.
video	log	vlog	Blog type where users post their content in video format.
brain	maniac	brainiac	Someone who is exceptionnaly intelligent.

What Are Portmanteau Words?

How Are Portmanteau Words Formed?

See Also