The Rice University Neologisms Database

A person that feels extreme devotion and appreciation for the orchestra. (‘the symphomaniac attends the orchestra concerts every other day’) Apparent meaning, etymology, and type of word formation: A symphomaniac is a person that feels extreme devotion and appreciation for the orchestra. This word was formed by clipping and blending “symphony” with the word “maniac.” “Symphony” meaning ‘an orchestra of winds, strings, and percussion that perform orchestral pieces,’ coming from Middle English and Old French symphonie, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphōnia, from symphōnos concordant in sound, from syn- ‘together’ + phōnē ‘voice, sound.’ “Maniac” is a person that possesses extreme uncontrollable enthusiasm for something, derived from Middle French maniaque (late 13th cent. in Old French as an adjective; late 15th cent. as a noun) or its etymon post-classical Latin maniacus (6th cent. as an adjective; 9th cent. as a noun). Possible reason used: The Houston Symphony began an advertising campaign in which they were trying to effectively arouse interest and devotion among Houstonians to come attend concerts performed by the Houston Symphony. The Symphony created the word that would be shorter, and more powerful and direct in its uniqueness and impact for advertising purposes.