Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[amyamfifi]

Dear teacher,
I know there are many ways to create some new words; for example, the most common word that we use every day is branch, which is a combination of breakfast and lunch. I am wondering are there more examples of this kind of words? And, how do we call this kind of words, the compounds or the blends? What�s the different between them?
Best wishes,
Fifi

[pugachevV]

Brunch is a made up word that, through wide usage, has become accepted as a real word. It's a blend of the two words, but I don't think there's an officially accepted designation. I guess you can call it either of the things you suggest.

[amyamfifi]

Dear teacher,

Thank you for your answer. I have looked for some information, and I have found out there is some differences between them.
The compound is made up of two different words, like "poor+house" became one word "poor house".
However, the blends would omit some letters, for example
"smoke + fog = smog"

Is this information right?

or there is any other definition?

thank you.

[pugachevV]

If you blend things together, you form a harmonious combination. I suppose that brunch is a harmonious combination of breakfast and lunch.
In UK "elevenses"used to be (and probably still is) used for a break for light refreshments taken at about eleven o'clock in the morning.

[amyamfifi]

Dear teacher,
I�m happy to learn a new word "elevenses."
Thank you for all your answers.