amphigory

[ am-fi-gawr-ee, -gohr-ee ]

noun

, plural am·phi·go·ries.

1. a meaningless or nonsensical piece of writing, especially one intended as a parody.

amphigory

/ ˈæmfɪɡərɪ; ˌæmfɪˈɡɒrɪk; ˈæmfɪˌɡʊərɪ /

noun

1. a piece of nonsensical writing in verse or, less commonly, prose

Derived Forms

• amphigoric, adjective

Other Words From

• am·phi·gor·ic [am-f, uh, -, gawr, -ik, -, gor, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphigory¹

First recorded in 1800–10; from French amphigouri, equivalent to amphi- a prefix meaning “two; both” ( amphi- ) + gouri; perhaps modeled on French equivalent of phantasmagoria

Word History and Origins

Origin of amphigory¹

C19: from French amphigouri, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Instead, over the years, Neuwirth, 55, has classified pieces in fanciful categories: an “amphigory” for violin and ensemble, a “ballet mécanomorphe,” a “distorting mirror” for orchestra, a “footnote” for soprano.

From New York Times