PORTMANTOLOGISM Meaning and
Definition
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Portmantologism is a neologism that combines elements of two or more existing words to create a new word with a merged meaning. This term is derived from the concept of a "portmanteau," which is a literary device that refers to the blending of two or more words to form a new word. Portmantologism takes this concept further by specifically focusing on the linguistic phenomenon of merging words and their meanings.
When creating a portmantologism, often the combined word retains some aspects of both original words while also creating a distinct meaning of its own. This process enables language users to express novel ideas or concepts that do not have a dedicated term in the lexicon. It is a creative way to describe a concept concisely by combining two words that bear some relation to the intended meaning.
Portmantologisms can enter common usage and become recognized words within a language. Some well-known examples include "brunch" (breakfast + lunch), "smog" (smoke + fog), and "spork" (spoon + fork). However, portmantologisms can also be coined for humor, wordplay, or as a form of linguistic experimentation.
Overall, portmantologism is a linguistic device that allows for the creation of new words by merging the meanings of existing words. It serves as a method of linguistic creativity and can contribute to the evolution of language by adapting and expanding vocabulary to express new and unique concepts.
Common Misspellings for PORTMANTOLOGISM
- oortmantologism
- lortmantologism
- -ortmantologism
- 0ortmantologism
- pirtmantologism
- pkrtmantologism
- plrtmantologism
- pprtmantologism
- p0rtmantologism
- p9rtmantologism
- poetmantologism
- podtmantologism
- poftmantologism
- pottmantologism
- po5tmantologism
- po4tmantologism
- porrmantologism
- porfmantologism
- porgmantologism
- porymantologism
Etymology of PORTMANTOLOGISM
The word "portmantologism" is a portmanteau itself, combining the words "portmanteau" and "neologism".
- "Portmanteau" is derived from the French word "portemanteau", which literally means "carry cloak". It was originally used to refer to a large traveling bag or suitcase. The word was coined by English author Lewis Carroll in his novel "Through the Looking-Glass" (1871) to describe a word formed by combining two others while retaining their meanings. The idea was inspired by the concept of a suitcase that carries multiple items.
- "Neologism" comes from the Greek words "neos" meaning "new", and "logos" meaning "word" or "speech". It refers to a newly coined word or a new use of an existing word that has not yet been widely accepted into mainstream language.
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