Portmanteau Words
1 / 15Identify words made by blending two words together!
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The word 'brunch' is a blend of which two words?
About Portmanteau Words
Identify words made by blending two words together! Portmanteau Words packs 15 multiple-choice questions with a mix of 5 easy, 5 medium, 5 hard questions into a relaxed session of roughly 7 minutes — no sign-up, no timer pressure. An explanation appears after every answer, and finishing once a day keeps your streak alive.
A few sample questions
1. The word 'brunch' is a blend of which two words?
Answer: Breakfast + Lunch
'Brunch' is a blend of 'breakfast' and 'lunch,' referring to a late morning meal that combines elements of both. The word was first used in the 1890s in Britain.
2. Which two words make up the portmanteau 'smog'?
Answer: Smoke + Fog
'Smog' combines 'smoke' and 'fog.' It was coined in 1905 by Dr. Henry Antoine Des Voeux to describe the thick, polluted air in British cities.
3. The word 'motel' is a blend of which two words?
Answer: Motor + Hotel
'Motel' is a blend of 'motor' and 'hotel,' describing a roadside hotel designed for motorists. The term was first used in 1925 in San Luis Obispo, California.
4. Which two words form the portmanteau 'email'?
Answer: Electronic + Mail
'Email' is a blend of 'electronic' and 'mail.' While the concept dates to the 1960s, the term 'email' became widely used in the 1990s with the rise of the internet.
5. The word 'spork' combines which two words?
Answer: Spoon + Fork
'Spork' is a blend of 'spoon' and 'fork,' describing the hybrid utensil that combines features of both. The word has been in use since at least the early 1900s.
Things you'll learn along the way
- 'Blog' is a blend of 'web' and 'log.' The term 'weblog' was coined in 1997, and by 1999 the shortened form 'blog' had become the standard word.
- 'Electrocute' is a blend of 'electric' and 'execute.' It was coined in 1889 when New York introduced the electric chair as a method of execution.
- 'Chortle' blends 'chuckle' and 'snort.' It was invented by Lewis Carroll in 'Through the Looking-Glass' (1871). Carroll also coined the term 'portmanteau' for this type of word blend.
Frequently asked questions
Can I print Portmanteau Words?
Yes — use the Print button at the top of the page for a clean question sheet, or "Print with Answers" to make an answer key. Printed sheets work well for group play at home, in a classroom, or at a senior center.
Will I lose my progress if I close the page?
Your overall progress — XP, streaks, and badges — is saved in your browser automatically. A quiz that's underway restarts if you leave mid-game, but at about 7 minutes, Portmanteau Words fits comfortably in one sitting.
How many questions are in Portmanteau Words?
Portmanteau Words has 15 multiple-choice questions. Each one has four answer options and an explanation that appears after you answer, so you learn something even when you miss.
Is Portmanteau Words free to play?
Yes. The entire SeniorBrainGames catalog — including Portmanteau Words — is free, with no sign-up required, no time limits, and no ads on top of the game. It also works offline once the page has loaded once.
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