3

When speaking of a city in negative terms one might attach a prefix/suffix to the city name. This nickname is a portmanteau that implies a derogatory tone. Most often this will be a negative term but can also be another geographic name. Is there a specialized term for this use? I'm particularly interested in a term for the geographic modifier case.

Examples:

  • I live in Spokcompton. (Spokane + Compton)
  • He lives in Fayettnam. (Fayetteville + Vietnam)
  • Hollyweird
  • Fithadelphia
Improve this question
3
  • 'Bathrobe' would obviously be a port-manteau.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Sep 15, 2016 at 21:56
  • 2
    @EdwinAshworth Seems to me that bathrobe is the manteau itself.
    – StoneyB on hiatus
    Commented Sep 15, 2016 at 22:03
  • 1
    Seems to me that Bath (Maine) is the port and robe will do for the manteau.
    – Edwin Ashworth
    Commented Sep 15, 2016 at 22:05

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

No, there is no extant word in English to use for this concept.

A possible neologism is

demodysphemism

a portmanteau of 'demonym', the name of a place, and 'dysphemism', derogatory term used for a neutral one.

Improve this answer
1
  • Nothing wrong with creating a new term. I like it.
    – psl
    Commented Dec 11, 2020 at 21:50

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .