Making one word out of two

It’s possible to combine two words into one when you want to convey a specific meaning relating to both. You can turn something like “list” and “article” into “listicle.” This article will explore the best terms you can use to combine two words into one.

The best terms for combining two words into one are “blend word,” “blending,” and “portmanteau word.” These are the best ways to refer to a word that’s been made out of two completely different words. It’s a great way to show that both words impact the new word’s meaning.

1. Blend Word

“Blend word” is a great phrase to use when words are combined into one. It’s an informal construct, allowing you to create new words based on the fundamental sounds and letters that come from two completely different words.

For example, a “blend word” would be “brunch.” It takes “breakfast” and “lunch” and combines the two words into one. This is an efficient way of using both words more recognisably.

“Blending” is the official term for combining words in this way.

It works best informally because you need to overlook specific grammatical rules to accept certain blend words. For example, “frenemy” means “friend” and “enemy.” It’s not an official word, but it’s widely regarded and understood because of how common the blend is.

The definition of “blend word,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a word formed by combining two other words.”

• I think they called it “chillaxation.” It’s a blend word combining “chill” and “relaxation.” I think it has a ring to it.
• What is it with all these blend words becoming more popular? I’m not sure I can keep up with the youth of today and their lingo.
• I thought of a few new blend words that could work quite well in these contexts. Let me know which ones you like the best.

2. Blending

“Blending” is the term used when combining two words into a shorter form. You can use it to refer to the action of grouping two words as “blending” is the verb gerund form.

“Blend word” is the noun form, and “blending” is the verb. They both mean the same thing. They allow you to group words to create smaller, informal words and phrases that help you get your point across more efficiently.

• Blending words is super easy. You can say something like “sitcom” or “cosplay.” They take little bits and create big words.
• I love blending words to create new ideas. It’s always exciting to come up with words that nobody has thought of before.
• Blending words is a lot of fun when you know what you’re doing. You should try it sometime to see if it works for you.

3. Portmanteau Word

“Portmanteau word” is a great way to refer to two combined words. It has a French origin relating to a suitcase that opens in two equal parts.

“Portmanteau” is French for “carry case” or “suitcase.” It refers to a suitcase that can be opened into two equal parts. It evolved to mean that two words could combine to create a new word and hold a new meaning that takes equal parts from the original word.

It’s a very common way to refer to a blended word. You could combine something like “jeans” and “leggings” into the popular portmanteau word “jeggings.” It takes an equal meaning from both original words to create a new one.

Nowadays, “portmanteau” is much more common to refer to combined words rather than a suitcase. Most native speakers know it as the phrase used when words like “brunch” or “jeggings” are created.

The definition of “portmanteau word,” according to The Cambridge Dictionary, is “a word formed by combining two other words.”

• What portmanteau words do you know? I’ve heard “biopic” lately, and I’ve been pronouncing it wrong for the longest time!
• I think you should come up with a portmanteau word for that. It’s too wordy, and people will remember it easier if it is shortened.
• This portmanteau word comes from “drama” and “comedy.” A “dramedy” is a great form of theatre that you must watch!

4. Coining

“Coining” is a great phrase to use when new words are developed. It doesn’t refer to combining two words, but it allows you to “coin” a new word if you’ve made one yourself.

For example, if you combine “breakfast” and “lunch” into “brunch,” you could “coin” that word. However, it only applies when you are the first person to do it. Since “brunch” is already accepted as a portmanteau word, you can’t “coin” it yourself.

That doesn’t mean you can’t try to find other words that you can “coin.” There’s no limit to what words you can combine.

• I’m coining a new word from these two. It’s stupid to have to say them individually after all this time.
• You should try coining your own blend of the words. I think it’ll be really interesting to come up with something new.
• He’s managed to coin that word on his own. I was quite surprised that he was able to be that creative with it.

5. Compounding

“Compounding” refers to combining two words into one. However, it works very differently from the other words in this article. You need to know the difference before using “compounding” correctly.

“Compounding” takes two full words and combines them without removing any letters. For example, “back” and “drop” can compound to become “backdrop.”

You cannot call it “compounding” when combining two words into a more informal word (i.e. “chill” and “relax” becoming “chillax” is not compounding).

“Compounding” is the official grammatical term used when two words combine to become a compound noun or adjective. You might also find a hyphen comes between the words (mainly when using adjectives).

• Compounding words only work when you need them to be in the same breath. Something like “football” or “cupcake” works here.
• You should try compounding those words. They’re used together enough times that people expect them to be written like that.
• I’m not sure what compounding those words is going to do for the sentence. You should try something else.