amphigory

American  

[am-fi-gawr-ee, -gohr-ee] / ˈæm fɪˌgɔr i, -ˌgoʊr i /

Also amphigouri

noun

plural

amphigories

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

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amphigory British  

/ ˈæmfɪɡərɪ, ˌæmfɪˈɡɒrɪk, ˈæmfɪˌɡʊərɪ /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• amphigoric adjective

Etymology

Origin of amphigory

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

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