PORTMANTEAU is an English term that originates from the French words: porter (carry) and manteau (cloak). It literally refers to a large travelling case, usually made of leather.
A Portmanteau word is a blend of two words that creates another word with a new meaning. A popular example is brunch (a combination of the words breakfast and lunch). The author Charles L. Dodgson, who was known by his pseudonym “Lewis Carroll”, coined this term to refer to the words he invented, such as mimsy, a combination of “miserable and flimsy”.
Here is a series of portmanteau words used in the context of recent news headlines.
Brexit
Britain + Exit.
Don’t tune out yet: Britain’s Brexit odyssey is far from over
Opinion–The Guardian–Jan 31, 2020
Smog
Smoke + Fog.
As government flounders, locals band together to fight smog
Bangkok Post–Jan 25, 2020
Malware
Malicious + Software
Malware levels fell at the end of 2019
ITProPortal–18 hours ag
Sitcom
Situation + Comedy
The Good Place Became the Last Great Sitcom on Network TV.
TIME–Jan 23, 2020
Al desko
This combination of words comes from eating “al fresco” (in the open air) and “at your desk” in the office.
Al desko eating raises workplace worries
The Canberra Times–Jan 23, 2020
Mansplaining
Man + Explaining. When a man explains something to a woman in a patronising way.
No escape from the minefield of mansplaining
The Times–Jan 24, 2020
Screenager
Screen + Teenager. Teenagers who spend too much time looking down at their screens.
TONIGHT: ‘Screenagers‘ explores technology’s teen impact
Jackson Hole News&Guide–Oct 23, 2019
Infotainment
Information + Entertainment. Information presented in an entertaining format. Also called soft news.
In-vehicle Infotainment Market Worth $54.8 Billion by 2027 …
PRNewswire (press release)–Jan 27, 2020
Frenemy
Friend + Enemy. So, not a good friend at all, more like an enemy.
‘Morbius’ trailer gives us first, horrific look of Spider-Man frenemy
The Star Online–Jan 13, 2020
Workaholic
Work + Alcoholic. Addicted to work.
Workaholic Epidemic: 4 In 10 Adults Just ‘Can’t Stop’ Working
Study Finds–Jan 6, 2020