Word Play

Do you know what a portmanteau is? If not, let me take a minute or two to introduce you. A portmanteau is a word blend formed by combining two or more portions of separate words to create something new. Easier exampled than explained: spork = spoon + fork. And there you have it! A portmanteau! You'd be surprised to find out that some words we use all the time are portmanteaus. Take a look...

bash = bang + smash
blog = web + log
blurt = blow + spurt
hassle = haggle + tussle
brash = bold + rash
prissy = prim + sissy
smash = smack + mash
twiddle = tiwst + fiddle

And there are the more common ones like: infomercial, televangelist, smog, brunch, croissandwich, rockumentary, and ginormous. I think my most favorite portmanteau is SPAM. The luncheon loaf made from bits of horse hoof and pig nostrils. Well, yes -- SPAM, too is a portmanteau. SPAM is spiced ham. [Can you believe they would even consider calling it ham?]

One of my favorite pastimes is creating new portmanteaus that will someday leak into pop culture and one day be as much a part of language as "da bomb" and "bling." Here's what I've got so far:

busiual = business + casual
frinner = frozen + dinner
fask = face + mask
pranner = printer + scanner
cofable = coffee + table

As you can see I've got much work to do to come up with something catchy enough to be infused into pop culture. For now I'll just continue to be bold, using my ridiculous combinations in public until I get a, "That's cool!" or "Yeeaaah! I've never heard it called that before!" Then I will know that I have arrived. Until then, wish me luck.
~jaz