Portmanteau Words

Portmanteau Words are the one that blend the sounds and the meanings of two words. The word Portmanteau is derived from the French word portmanteau, combined from porter (to carry) and manteau(mantle). While these Words originated in 16th century, Lewis Carroll is credited with coining this word (in Through the Looking Glass) based on the fact that portmanteau bag is one that opens into two equal parts.

However, many such Words catch on and latch on to the lexicon. Others do not and simply fade away into silent sunsets, having enjoyed their 15 minutes of glory.

Here is the complete list of Portmanteau words that the visitors could use in their communication. The visitors are welcome to send in the Portmanteau words that they come across to us so that we will add those words in this list and acknowledging the sender.

The meanings of all such words are apparent from the combination. Most of these words will not be found in standard dictionaries. But, the visitors can use their grey cells in putting the meanings of the two and two together to deduce the meaning of these words.

Portmanteau Words are also called Centaur Words. Absatively = absolutely + positively (This word was sent to us by our friend Celeste from USA.)

  1. Adflation = advertising + inflation

  2. Beautility = beauty + utility

  3. Bit = binary + digit

  4. Bitini = bitsy + bikini

  5. Blog = web + log

  6. Bonk = bang + conk

  7. Breathalyzer = breath + analyzer

  8. Brunch = breakfast + lunch

  9. Camcorder = camera + recorder

  10. Chortle = chuckle + snort

  11. Cremains = cremated + remains

  12. Chunnel= channel + tunnel

  13. Diplonomics=diplomacy + economics

  14. E-commerce = electronic + commerce

  15. Email= electronic + mail

  16. Faction= fact + fiction

  17. Fantabulous= fantastic+ fabulous

  18. Fanzine= fanatic + magazine

  19. Feminar= feminine + seminar

  20. Frarority= fraternity + sorority

  21. Gasohol= gasoline + alcohol

  22. Ginormous= gigantic + enormous

  23. Guestimate= guess + estimate

  24. Hi-tech= high + technology

  25. Heliport + helicopter + airport

  26. Internet = international + network

  27. Interpol- international + police
  28. Jackpot= jack + pot

  29. Jaywalk= jay + walk

  30. Jerkwater = jerk + water

  31. Joypad= joystick + pad

  32. Laundromat = laundry + automat

  33. Manimal = man + animal

  34. Medevac = medical + evacuation

  35. Medicare = medical + care

  36. Mobike= motor + bike

  37. Modem = MOdulator + DEModulator

  38. Moped= motor + pedal

  39. Motel= motor + hotel

  40. Motorcade= motorcar + cavalcade

  41. Netiquette = Internet + etiquette

  42. Netizen = Internet + citizen

  43. Newscast = news + broadcast

  44. Oxbridge = Oxford + Cambridge

  45. Paratroop = parachute + troop

  46. Permalink = permanent + link

  47. Pluot = plum + apricot

  48. Podcast = iPod + broadcasting

  49. Sci-Fi= science + fiction

  50. Sexploitation = sex + exploitation

  51. Sexcercise = sex + exercise

  52. Sexting = Sex + texting

  53. Shamateur= sham+ amateur

  54. Smog = smoke + fog

  55. Splurge= splash+ surge

  56. Telecast= television + broadcast

  57. Telethon = telephone (or television) + marathon
  58. Telecom = telephone + Communication(s)

  59. Televangelist= television + evangelist

  60. Toughicult = tough + difficult

  61. Transistor= transfer + resistor

  62. Vash= volcanic + ash

  63. Webinar = web + seminar

  64. Workfar= work + welfare


The Beloved visitors are welcome to report the Portmanteau Words that they may know to us so that those words will be added to this list.


Portmanteau Words are also called Centaur Words.

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