Tag Archives: portmanteau

The name Bollywood is a portmanteau that comes from Bombay (the former name for Mumbai) and Hollywood, the centre of the American film industry. Unlike Hollywood, Bollywood does not exist as a physical place.

Many people within Hindi Cinema dislike the name. They feel that the name Bollywood makes the industry look like a poor cousin to Hollywood. In 2005, Bollywood was entered in the English Oxford Dictionnary.

Bombay + Hollywood = Bollywood

Why not invent your own portmanteau in English or tell us about your favourite one? We’d love to hear your ideas!