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Lewis Carroll never offered an explanation for the word 'tumtum' but, owing to its structure, it is unlikely to be a portmanteau.
Other portmanteau words combine two different words to make a new one, for example, 'miserable' and 'flimsy' make 'mimsy'. If 'tumtum' were a portmanteau, it would have to be a combination of the word 'tum' and 'tum' again, or two different words in which 'tum' is the first syllable of one and the second or last syllable of the other.
Of course, while unlikely, this is not impossible, and there are many words which might be combined to create 'tumtum'
For example
Words with 'tum' at the beginning
- tumble
- tumbril
- tummy
- tump
- tumult
Words with 'tum' at the end
- arboretum
- dictum
- erratum
- factotum
- sanctum
However, the rhythmic, repetitve nature of the word suggests that it was more likely to have been chosen simply for its sound.
In his Annotated Alice, Martin Gardner says:
Tum-tum was a common colloquialism in Carroll's day, referring to the sound of a stringed instrument, especially when monotonously strummed.
What else can I help you with?
What part of speech is tumtum tree?
"Tumtum tree" functions as a noun phrase. In this phrase, "tumtum" serves as an adjective describing the type of tree, while "tree" is the main noun. Together, they refer to a specific object or entity.
What is the Chinook word for courageous?
skookum tumtum
Is there a 3rd tumtum and nutmeg?
As of my last update in October 2023, there isn't a third book specifically titled "Tumtum and Nutmeg" in the original series by Emily Bearn. The series consists of two main books: "Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Adventures of a Mouse and a Rat" and its sequel, "Tumtum and Nutmeg: The Further Adventures of a Mouse and a Rat." While the characters may appear in other stories or adaptations, the main narrative remains contained within these two titles.
What is the definition of Malamanteau?
A neologism for a portmanteau created by incorrectly combining a malapropism with a neologism. It is itself a portmanteau of 'malapropism' and 'portmanteau'.A malamanteau is a neologism for a portmanteau created by incorrectly combining a malapropism with a neologism. It is itself a portmanteau.A word defined to infuriate Wikipedia editors
What is the Tumtum tree in Jabberwocky?
The Tumtum tree is the tree by which the boy rested in the poem Jabberwocky, which appeared in the book Through the Looking Glass, the sequel to Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.He took his vorpal sword in hand:Long time the manxome foe he sought --So rested he by the Tumtum tree,And stood awhile in thought.Carroll offered definitions for many of the words in the poem Jabberwocky, but never described what he meant by Tumtum tree. It is arguable that the nonsense words don't really have or need proper definitions, and it is the sounds of the words, the feelings they invoke and the ideas they suggest which is what is important, therefore, all that matters is what 'Tumtum tree' means to you, as a reader.However, in his Annotated Alice, Martin Gardner says that "Tum-tum was a common colloquialism in Carroll's day, referring to the sound of a stringed instrument, especially when monotonously strummed," so perhaps this is the inspiration behind the term.
Is ditzy a portmanteau?
yes
What is it called when you combine two names together?
Combining two names together is known as a portmanteau.
What is the portmanteau of tarantula and gorilla?
A taranturilla.
What is the portmanteau of giraffe and elephant?
A giraffephant.
What is the portmanteau of crocodile and elephant?
A crocophant.
What is the portmanteau of cougar and lynx?
A cougalynx.
What is the portmanteau of gorilla and elephant?
A gorillaphant.
