[PW] Re: Name for word made from parts of other words

[Simon Cauchi]

On 17/08/2006, at 10:00 AM, Bruce Bumbalough wrote:

> Is there a name for a word (often used as a brand name) made from
> syllables of other words?  For example, Convair (the aircraft
> manufacturer) is a shortened version of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft
> Company.   It isn't acronym.
>
> TIA
>
> -- 
> Bruce L. Bumbalough

It's called a "blend", or alternatively a "word blend" or "blend word". 
The examples given in the Oxford Dictionary of English Grammar are not 
brand names, however. They include these:

bit (= binary + digit)
brunch (= breakfast + lunch)
camcorder (= camera + recorder)
smog (= smoke + fog)
televangelist (= television + evangelist)
motel (motor + hotel)

Simon Cauchi
<simon.cauchi at xtra.co.nz>