Portmanteau Words
Learn about words that blend two meanings into one
What Are Portmanteau Words?
A portmanteau word is a blend of two or more words that creates a new word with a combined meaning. The term comes from French, where "portmanteau" means a suitcase that opens into two equal parts. These words are fun, creative, and often become part of everyday language.
Types of Portmanteau Words
Technology & Media
Blog
Web + log
Podcast
iPod + broadcast
Electronic + mail
Webinar
Web + seminar
Food & Drinks
Brunch
Breakfast + lunch
Spork
Spoon + fork
Cronut
Croissant + donut
Froyo
Frozen + yogurt
Travel & Transportation
Motel
Motor + hotel
Staycation
Stay + vacation
Glamping
Glamorous + camping
Workation
Work + vacation
Popular Portmanteau Examples
Smog = smoke + fog
Spanglish = Spanish + English
Chillax = chill + relax
Frenemy = friend + enemy
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Portmanteau Words
Which of these are portmanteau words?
1. Brunch, breakfast, lunch
Show Answer
Answer: Brunch is a portmanteau (breakfast + lunch)
2. Email, internet, computer
Show Answer
Answer: Email is a portmanteau (electronic + mail)
3. Smog, pollution, air
Show Answer
Answer: Smog is a portmanteau (smoke + fog)
Interactive Quiz 2: Create Portmanteau Words
Create portmanteau words for these combinations:
1. Breakfast + dinner = ?
Show Answer
Answer: Brinner
2. Friend + boyfriend = ?
Show Answer
Answer: Frand
3. Work + exercise = ?
Show Answer
Answer: Workout
Interactive Quiz 3: Portmanteau Categories
Sort these portmanteau words by category:
Technology: blog, podcast, email, webinar
Show Answer
Answer: All are technology portmanteaus
Food: brunch, spork, cronut, froyo
Show Answer
Answer: All are food portmanteaus
Travel: motel, staycation, glamping, workation
Show Answer
Answer: All are travel portmanteaus
Interactive Quiz 4: Portmanteau Meanings
Explain what each portmanteau means:
1. "Brunch"
Show Answer
Answer: A meal between breakfast and lunch
2. "Frenemy"
Show Answer
Answer: Someone who is both a friend and enemy
3. "Staycation"
Show Answer
Answer: A vacation spent at home
Tips for Understanding Portmanteau Words
Look for Word Parts
Try to identify the two words that were combined.
Understand the Meaning
The new word combines the meanings of both original words.
Be Creative
Try creating your own portmanteau words for fun.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Portmanteau words show how language evolves - they're a fun way to see creativity in word formation!