Tmesis
noun
The splitting of a word into two parts, with other words in the middle.
A whole nother story is an example of tmesis as the word another is split into two.
Often appears as...
- a whole nother
- fan-bloody-tastic
Usage tips
Literary,Academic
noun
The splitting of a word into two parts, with other words in the middle.
A whole nother story is an example of tmesis as the word another is split into two.
Often appears as...
- a whole nother
- fan-bloody-tastic
Usage tips
Literary,Academic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Usage
Tmesis is most common in informal speech and writing to add emphasis or humor.
'This is going to be legen-wait for it-dary!' shows tmesis for dramatic effect.
Pro Tip 2/3Creative Speech
Using tmesis can make language more creative by breaking expected word patterns.
The phrase 'abso-bloomin-lutely' is an inventive use of tmesis.
Pro Tip 3/3Speech Emphasis
Tmesis draws attention to the inserted word for stronger emphasis than the original word.
Saying 'un-believably great' rather than 'unbelievably great' emphasizes the greatness.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Usage
Tmesis is most common in informal speech and writing to add emphasis or humor.
'This is going to be legen-wait for it-dary!' shows tmesis for dramatic effect.
Pro Tip 2/3Creative Speech
Using tmesis can make language more creative by breaking expected word patterns.
The phrase 'abso-bloomin-lutely' is an inventive use of tmesis.
Pro Tip 3/3Speech Emphasis
Tmesis draws attention to the inserted word for stronger emphasis than the original word.
Saying 'un-believably great' rather than 'unbelievably great' emphasizes the greatness.
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Usage
Tmesis is most common in informal speech and writing to add emphasis or humor.
'This is going to be legen-wait for it-dary!' shows tmesis for dramatic effect.
Pro Tip 2/3Creative Speech
Using tmesis can make language more creative by breaking expected word patterns.
The phrase 'abso-bloomin-lutely' is an inventive use of tmesis.
Pro Tip 3/3Speech Emphasis
Tmesis draws attention to the inserted word for stronger emphasis than the original word.
Saying 'un-believably great' rather than 'unbelievably great' emphasizes the greatness.
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