Words Unravelled with RobWords and Jess Zafarris
Was an orange ever a "norange"? | WORD MASH-UPS
May 22, 2024
Dive into the whimsical world of word mash-ups! Discover whether an orange was ever a 'norange' and why cheeseburgers puzzle linguists. Explore how playful portmanteaus blend meanings and learn the quirky transformations words undergo, like rebracketing and metathesis. Unearth culinary curiosities, from turduckens to cronuts, and uncover amusing misconceptions about food terms. Plus, enjoy insights into political jargon with terms like gerrymander and shrinkflation. Language has never been this fun!
36:01
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast explores the concept of portmanteaus, illustrating how blending words creates new meanings, as demonstrated by the host's name, Jess Zafaris.
- It delves into metathesis and rebracketing, showcasing how the evolution of language reshapes terms like 'umpire' and the pronunciation of 'ask' as 'aks'.
Deep dives
Understanding Portmanteaus
Portmanteaus are created by blending two words to form a new one, often overlapping in structure. The discussion emphasizes that many individuals encounter these word combinations without recognizing their origins. For example, the name of one of the hosts, Jess Zafaris, itself is a portmanteau derived from her previous surname combined with her married name. Lewis Carroll, known for his literary contributions, coined the term and highlighted it in works like 'The Hunting of the Snark', demonstrating how one can merge meanings and sounds to create innovative vocabulary.
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