2007-06-23 00:21:42 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
Portemanteau", from Middle French "porter" (to carry) and "manteau" (a coat or cover), formerly referred to a large travelling bag or suitcase with two compartments, hence the linguistic idea of fusing two words and their meanings into one
2007-06-23 00:44:31 · answer #1 · answered by shaik a 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A "portmanteau" word is one made up of two words to convey a third meaning. They're used a lot in Alice in Wonderland. For example: "slithy" means both slimy and slithering, "brillig" means a "brilliant evening." In modern times, the word "blog" is a portmanteau word meaning "web log."
2007-06-23 07:28:38 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well... I've never used the word to refer to luggage - only words: portmanteau words.
motel = motor / hotel
brunch = breakfast / lunch
The Japanese language is filled with them
"sexual harassment" in Japanese is squashed into four syllables.: sekuhara
karaoke = kara o-kesutora (empty orchestra)
2007-06-23 07:33:16 · answer #3 · answered by ekbworldwide 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes its a slightly obsolescent word for a suitcase. I learned it in high-school in a program called 'word wealth' Another one I remember is 'cravat.'
2007-06-23 07:34:10 · answer #4 · answered by eggman 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its a large travelling bag.
2007-06-23 07:24:46 · answer #5 · answered by Sal*UK 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋