In today’s blog, I am back with the English language.
A What is POLYPTOTON
Polyptoton is a rhetorical device that repeats words derived from the same root, but with different endings or forms. It adds rhythm, reinforces meaning, and highlights contrast within a single idea. Here are few examples:
1 Who shall watch the watchman?
2 Strong is not he who conquers others, but he who conquers himself.
3 Judge not, lest you will be judged.
4 The things you own, end up owning you.
5 Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired.
6 To learn is to relearn what you have forgotten.
7 Fight the good fight of faith.
8 The lover loves and beloved responds.
9 Dreamers dream what dreams demand.
10 Builders build, and in building, they are built.
11 Don’t fears your fears, face them.
12 Readers read to be read by others.
13 Seek what can be sought, not what is lost.
14 Winners win not because they can, but because they will.
15 Sinners sin, and the sin defines the sinner.
16 Teachers teach so others may teach again.
17 Think before you over think.
18 Creators create to be recreated.
19 Words wound worse than being wounded.
20 We must act on our actions, not just plan them.
B What are PORTMANTEAUS
They are words formed by blending two words into one. Here are few examples:
1 BRUNCH– Breakfast + Lunch. When you wake up too late for breakfast but too early for lunch.
2 MOTEL– Motor + Hotel. A roadside place to rest for travelers.
3 SPORK– Spoon + Fork. The ultimate utensil for indecisive eaters.
4 SMOG– Smoke + Fog. The hazy air caused by pollution.
5 INFOMERCIAL– Information + Commercial. A long TV ad that pretends to be show.
6 WEBINAR– Web + Seminar. Online seminar, perfect for remote learning.
7 GUESSTIMATE– Guess + Estimate. When you make a smart guess with a touch of logic.
8 PODCAST– iPod + Broadcast. Audio shows you can listen to anytime, anywhere.
9 EMOTICON– Emotion + Icon. Symbols like 🙂 used before emojis existed.
10 FRENEMY– Friend + Enemy. The one person you smile at but secretly distrust.
11 BLOG– Web + Log. An online diary or article page.
12 VLOG– Video + Blog. A video version of a blog.
13 COSPLAY– Costume + Play. Dressing up as fictional characters.
14 MOCUMENTARY– Mock + Documentary. A fake documentary made for comedy.
15 GLAMPING– Glamorous + Camping. Camping, but make it luxurious.
16 HANGRY– Hungry + Angry. When you are mad because you haven’t eaten yet.
17 ROM COM– Romantic + Comedy. Movies that make you laugh and swoon.
18 SIT COM– Situation + Comedy. TV shows about funny everyday life.
19 WORKAHOLIC– Work + Alcoholic. Someone addicted to working non-stop.
20 SHOPAHOLIC– Shopping + Alcoholic. Someone who can’t resist a sale.
21 SPAM– Spiced + Ham. A canned meat turned into a word for junk emails.
22 CHILLAX– Chill + Relax. Take it easy and do absolutely nothing.
23 MOCKTAIL– Mock + Cocktail. A non-alcoholic drink that feels fancy.
24 TURDUCKEN– Turkey + Duck + Chicken. A triple layer meat dish.
Anil Malik
Mumbai, India
11th November 2025