- Be a Symphomaniac. Passionately support the Houston Symphony.
Symphomaniac
noun; blending and clipping
A person that feels extreme devotion and appreciation for the orchestra. Apparent meaning and type of word formation: 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” means an orchestra of winds, strings, and percussion that perform orchestral pieces; a “maniac” is a person that possesses extreme uncontrollable enthusiasm for something. 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.
Etymology : “sympho-“ from “symphony” Middle English symphonie, from Middle French, from Latin symphonia, from Greek symphonia, from symphonos 'concordant in sound', from syn- + phone 'voice, sound'. “Maniac” Late Latin maniacus maniacal, from Greek maniakos, from mania
Source : “Welcome to the Houston Symphony.” September 2005. http://www.houstonsymphony.org/about/press/detail.aspx?id=70
Last modified: 10 June 2008