A 1913 new york times article on portmanteaus includes the word alcoholiday which describes leisure time spent drinking

A Fascinating Fact: “Alcoholiday” Was Coined in 1913

Do you enjoy combining two words to create a new one? If so, you’re familiar with the concept of portmanteaus. These linguistic blends are not a recent invention; in fact, they have been around for over a century. One noteworthy example is the term “alcoholiday.” Surprisingly, this term was coined as early as 1913 and was used to describe periods of leisure time spent indulging in alcoholic beverages.

The existence of the word “alcoholiday” was highlighted in a 1913 New York Times article on portmanteaus^{1^}. This fascinating discovery sheds light on the popularity of combining words to create vivid descriptions of experiences.

Portmanteaus have become increasingly common in the modern lexicon. Think about popular blends such as “brunch” (breakfast + lunch) or “hangry” (hungry + angry). People love using these unique words because they encapsulate complex ideas in a concise and catchy manner.

The notion of spending leisure time drinking can be seen throughout history. It’s interesting to note that even a century ago, people recognized and coined terms to describe this phenomenon. The article in The New York Times not only provides us with a glimpse into the linguistic creativity of the past but also underscores the enduring human desire to communicate and capture experiences through language.

If you’re intrigued by fascinating facts like this, National Trivia Day is the perfect occasion to explore more. Check out Mental Floss for an amazing collection of 119 trivia facts that are guaranteed to leave you awestruck^{2^}. Happy fact-hunting!

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