Centaur Words

Beauties of English Index


Centaur words are the words coined by a combination of two words, just as a centaur is a combination of man and horse.


Examples :


Smog = smoke + fog


Slithy = slim + lithe


Chortle = Chuckle + snort


Squawk = Squall + squeak


Brunch = Break fast + lunch


Motel = Motor + hotel


Mixaphor = mixed + metaphor


Transistor = transfer + resistor


Splutter = splash + sputter


Centaur Words are also called Portmanteau Words.

Here is the complete list of Portmanteau Words.