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Continued from Part 1…
Portmanteau words are added to the English language all the time. Recently, scientists have attached cutting-edge bionic arms to people who have lost their real arms. The word comes from “biology” and “electronic.” A bionic device enhances a part of the body to perform a task. Sometimes if you’re feeling hungry you can be a little short-tempered. You could say you’re feeling hangry — from “hungry” and “angry.”
Affluenza is a psychological concept that comes from “affluent” and “influenza.” It’s a psychological condition that some say may affect young people from a very wealthy background. Symptoms include a lack of motivation, feelings of guilt for being so rich, and a feeling of isolation. Many people think this isn’t a real disease, but they still use the word. Shopaholic combines “shopping” and “alcoholic,” and means someone who is a compulsive shopper. In the same way, you can also be a “workaholic” or a “chocaholic.”
Portmanteau words sometimes relate to politics. Obamacare is a useful abbreviated form of “Obama” and “health care,” and is used to talk about the health care act that former U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law in 2010. Brexit, from “Britain” and “exit,” refers to the United Kingdom’s decision to leave the European Union. It’s a very useful shortening of a complex subject, and a new word that was on everyone’s lips around 2016, when the U.K. held the Brexit referendum. (The Japan Times)
This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.