I have a quandrum

A spin on MLK’s famous speech?  No, but a pretty good word blend,  combining “quandary” (dilemma) and “conundrum” (a puzzle).  As I have explained in previous posts, single word malaphors are different than portmanteaus.  A portmanteau is an intentional blending of two words to form a new word with a specific meaning, such as “smog” (a blend of smoke and fog).  A single word malaphor is an unintentional blending of two words to create a new word that is incorrect, such as “Buckminster Palace” (Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace), or a “faceover” (makeover and facelift).  Interestingly, Quandrum is the name of a Belgian Ale brewed by the Barrel of Monks brewery located in Boca Raton, Florida.  It is described as a “quadraphonic Belgian style quadrupel aged several months in rum barrels”.   Cheers!   A big shout out to Tiffany G. for hearing this one and passing it on!

Want to know more about single word malaphors?  Buy my book, He Smokes Like a Fish and other Malaphors.  An entire chapter is devoted to these little gems.  Available now on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692652205