MERGING MEANING

Lewis Carroll coined the term 'portmanteau'? 10 Linguistic Fusions

Image: Matthew Smith

First of all, what exactly is a portmanteau? Portmanteaus, also known as blend words, are formed by combining both the sounds and meanings of two or more words. More often than not, portmanteaus are intentionally created to introduce new ideas or concepts into the English language in a natural and intuitive way. Some blend in so seamlessly that we might even forget they're made from two other words! From "smog" to "motel" or even "brunch," portmanteaus are everywhere. Dive with us into the strange and surprising world of word blends.

Image: Marcin Jozwiak

A combination of "smoke" and "fog," the term "smog" was coined in London during the early 20th century to describe the dense, fog-like air pollution resulting from industrial smoke mixing with atmospheric moisture. This phenomenon became particularly severe during the winter months, as cold, damp conditions trapped pollutants close to the ground.

The Great Smog of 1952 in London, a tragic event that caused thousands of deaths, cemented the concept into popular language and served as a wake-up call about the risks of heavily polluted air in modern cities.

Image: Cristian Grecu

Although many English speakers assume that "helicopter" is composed of "heli-" and "-copter," leading to terms like "helipad" and "quadcopter," it is actually a portmanteau of the Greek words "helix" (spiral) and "pteron" (wing).

While the first practical helicopters did not become widespread until World War II, the concept is much older, and the term itself was coined by French inventor Gustave de Ponton d'Amécourt in 1861. He created a small steam-powered prototype that followed the same aerodynamic principles used in contemporary helicopter designs.

Image: Leon Seibert

Curiously, the word saw some use before the advent of computing, and it was used as early as 1849, to describe something interconnected or interwoven, most likely fabrics. Today, the terms "Internet" and "World Wide Web" are often used interchangeably, though they do not mean the same thing.

The World Wide Web, or the Web, is actually just one of a large number of Internet services that currently exist, alongside others like email and file-sharing.

Image: rivage

In case you’ve been living under a rock for the last fifty years, pixels are the tiny dots that form the images you see on screens, making up the building blocks of digital displays. Each pixel represents a single point of color, and together, pixels create the complete image on a screen.

Although "pixel" might seem like a tiny word for an even tinier concept, did you know that it actually combines two words? The term is short for "picture element," with the word "pix" being derived from "picture" and "el" from "element."

Image: Randy Laybourne

"Motel" combines "motor" and "hotel" to describe a type of roadside lodging designed specifically for motorists. But even if you already knew that—admittedly, it is fairly obvious—did you know the name actually originated from a specific hotel? The now-defunct Milestone Mo-Tel, located in San Luis Obispo, California, built in 1925, was the first to coin the term. In fact, it was later renamed the "Motel Inn."

This type of roadside lodging became very popular as modern highway systems developed throughout the 20th century, peaking around the 1960s. Today, motels have largely been displaced by chain hotels near highway interchanges. However, for those feeling nostalgic, some motels have been preserved as historic sites, offering a glimpse into mid-century travel culture.

Image: Mark Daynes

"Chortle," a blend of "chuckle" and "snort," has a surprisingly literary origin. The word was coined by Lewis Carroll in his 1871 novel Through the Looking-Glass, to describe a laugh that perfectly combines the elements of chuckling and snorting.

Carroll was quite fond of portmanteaus, and in fact, he actually coined the term "portmanteau" itself to describe these blend words—which may or may not be a portmanteau itself, depending on who you ask. The word originally referred to a suitcase that opened on a hinge into two equal parts, which Carroll used as a metaphor for words that blend two meanings into one.

Image: Jez Timms

"Ginormous" merges "gigantic" and "enormous" to describe something that is exceptionally large. The term, which emerged during World War II as slang among British soldiers, gained popularity in part due to its exaggerated and humorous tone.

While one might argue that it's an unusual portmanteau, given that both words carry nearly identical meanings, the combination creates a reinforcing effect that emphasizes the absurdity of the size it describes. Eventually, the widespread use of "ginormous" led to its formal recognition in dictionaries, becoming an accepted part of standard English vocabulary.

Image: Firmbee.com

A portmanteau of "iPod" and "broadcast," the word "Podcast" was coined in the early 2000s, as digital audio content began to gain traction. While the term was initially limited to media produced for Apple’s iPod, the term evolved beyond its original context to refer to any type of spoken content, regardless of the device used for listening.

Podcasts peaked in popularity during the pandemic, and have since become a major platform for delivering spoken content, from news to entertainment, to global audiences.

Image: Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk

Another obvious example, "email" is a blend of "electronic" and "mail," yet we often become so accustomed to the word that we forget its original meaning. Developed in the 1970s, email revolutionized communication, marking a significant shift away from traditional postal services.

By the 1980s and 1990s, email use had spread across businesses, government, universities, and defense industries. With the rise of webmail and email clients in the mid-1990s, it quickly extended to the general public. By the 2000s, email had achieved ubiquitous status, becoming a primary mode of communication worldwide.

Image: micheile henderson

"Brunch" is a blend of "breakfast" and "lunch," first appearing in Britain in the late 19th century as a mid-morning Sunday meal or hunt breakfast. It was introduced as a more relaxed dining option that bridges the gap between breakfast and lunch, often enjoyed on weekends or holidays.

At the time, the concept reflected a shift toward more leisurely dining experiences. Over the years, brunch has become a cultural phenomenon, with dedicated menus and establishments catering to the growing popularity of this mid-morning meal. It traditionally offers a variety of foods and beverages suited to both breakfast and lunch preferences, making it a versatile dining option.

Clear your calendar and learn a few fun facts

How did the months get their names? An ancient Roman legacy

Image: Kyrie kim

A calendar is a system of time measurement based primarily on the seasons of the year. The one we use today is called the Gregorian calendar and is the result of a long process of evolution that began with ancient civilizations. So, when and by whom were the months of the year named? Here’s a hint: The Romans are largely responsible for how we organize time, so it’s not surprising that the current names of the months have much to do with their culture. Join us as we explore the origins of the names of the 12 months of the year!

Image: Glen Carrie

January owes its name to Janus (Ianuarius in Latin), the Roman god of doorways, changes, beginnings, and endings. Janus was depicted with two faces—one looking to the past and the other to the future—making him the perfect deity to mark the start of the year.

Janus symbolized not only the passage of time but also transformation and transitions. His association with doors and portals reflected the idea of opening new paths and closing old cycles. In Roman tradition, January was a month dedicated to reflection and preparation for the challenges of the year ahead, a concept that endures to this day.

Image: Boris Pavlikovsky

February, the second month of the year, traces its roots to the purification rituals of ancient Rome. During this month, the Romans observed the _Februa_—ceremonies meant to cleanse the city of evil spirits and prepare the community for the new annual cycle. As a result, February’s name comes from the Latin februare, meaning "to purify."

The Romans regarded this month as a time to resolve conflicts, settle debts, and restore order. Thus, the origin of the name February is closely tied to the concepts of healing and renewal.

Image: Polina Kovaleva

You probably already know this one—the third month of the year is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, March marked the start of the military campaign season when legions prepared to conquer new territories. The name of this month reflects Mars’ significance in Roman culture—not only as the god of war but also as a protector of agriculture and fertility.

Additionally, Mars was associated with spring and the rebirth of nature. March symbolized the return of life after winter, a time of renewal and vitality. As a result, the meaning of March is linked to both war and rebirth.

Image: Bich Tran

The origin of April's name is less clear. However, it is widely believed to come from the Latin aperire, meaning "to open," in reference to the blooming of plants and flowers during this month. Others suggest it derives from Aphrodite, the Greek equivalent of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and fertility.

In any case, April is a month long associated with beauty, spring, rebirth, and fertility. During this time, the Romans held rituals and festivals in honor of Venus to ensure good harvests and prosperity. April’s connection to fertility and the awakening of nature has remained deeply rooted in popular culture ever since.

Image: Tara Winstead

May’s origin is uncertain, but it is widely believed to come from the name of Maia, a Roman earth goddess. Maia, one of the Pleiades—the daughters of Atlas—was associated with the flowering of nature and the beginning of the agricultural season.

However, the fifth month of the year is also linked to the elderly, as the Latin word maiores means "ancestors" or "elders." In Roman tradition, May was a time to honor older generations and recognize their wisdom and experience. This dual significance—as a month of fertility and reverence for elders—reflects the cultural and symbolic richness of the Roman calendar.

Image: Boris Pavlikovsky

June, the sixth month of the year, is dedicated to Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. Her name is believed to derive from the Latin iuniores, meaning "young," highlighting her influence over both marriage and the younger generation.

Festivities in Juno’s honor during this time of year often included marriage ceremonies and protective rituals for women. Because she was believed to bless marital unions, June was considered an especially auspicious month for weddings. June's association with youth and marriage has left a lasting impression on Western culture, and it is still a popular month for weddings and engagements.

Image: Glen Carrie

The Gregorian calendar was not only influenced by mythology but also by key historical figures. For example, July is named after Julius Caesar, one of the most significant political and military leaders of ancient Rome.

July symbolizes Caesar’s power and authority, as he was responsible for implementing the Julian calendar—a system that provided a more accurate solar cycle than its predecessor. This reform was crucial for maintaining a stable calendar and laid the foundation for the later adoption of the Gregorian calendar we use today.

Image: Glen Carrie

August was named after another Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Originally called Sextilis, this month was renamed in honor of Augustus to recognize his achievements and his role in consolidating the Roman Empire. Under his rule, Rome reached its greatest expansion and prosperity, which justified its inclusion in the calendar.

However, August was not always as we know it today. Originally consisting of 30 days, an extra day was later added to match the length of July, ensuring that both months named after Roman leaders had equal days.

Image: SHVETS production

The months from September to December reflect their positions in the original 10-month Roman calendar. For example, September comes from the Latin septem, meaning "seven."

Today, in the Northern Hemisphere, September marks the beginning of autumn and the return to school. However, in ancient Rome, it was a 29-day month dedicated to the Ludi Romani, the "Roman Games." Over time, some sought to rename it. To give you an idea, Emperor Caligula wanted to rename September Germanicus after his father, a general and politician, although his idea never prospered.

Image: Monstera Production

October gets its name from the Latin octo, meaning "eight," because it was the eighth month in the original Roman calendar. Like today, October had 31 days and marked the end of military campaigns that had begun in March. It was also a month under the protection of the god Mars.

As with September, several Roman politicians sought to change October’s name. Wanting to follow in the footsteps of his predecessors, Augustus and Julius Caesar, Emperor Domitian didn’t want to be left out. Late in the first century AD, he renamed October Domitianus. Unfortunately, this moniker didn’t survive his death. After several attempts to change it, October’s name finally stuck.

Image: Rahul Pandit

You probably know the drill by now. Since November was the ninth month of the old Roman calendar, its name comes from the Latin term novem, meaning "nine."

But did you know what this month was called in Old English? It was named Blōtmōnað, or "blood month," because it was the time when animals were sacrificed and stored for food before winter.

Image: Boris Pavlikovsky

Ah, December—the last month of the year, the beginning of winter, and the close of the holiday season. But in Roman times, it was the tenth month of the calendar, and thus named after the Latin word for "ten," decem.

Are you curious about what it was called in Old English? The early Germanic people referred to this period as yuletide, alluding to the ancient pagan holiday they celebrated around the winter solstice, which became an ancestor to Christmas.