-matic, suffix
(ˈmætɪk)
[f. automatic a.]
A terminal element in words (usu. proprietary names) designating devices which work automatically or mechanically, as Hoovermatic, traffomatic. orig. U.S.
| 1935 Amer. Speech Feb. 35/1 In Providence, Rhode Island traffomatic signals turn red lights to green as cars approach them. Adjustomatic and Ceomatic also occur, and there is a Nickel-mat restaurant. 1938 S. Chase Tyranny of Words xiv. 173 Dial-a-matic. 1941 Word Study Nov. 7/1 This year bids fair to be the -matic year of all years. 1957 Journal des Traducteurs II. 50 Admen all over the continent have coined hundreds of magic brand names with this productive adaptation suffix, exploiting to the full the suggestion of ‘minimum effort’ it connotes..: Accumatic watch, Ajustomatic pipe, Coffeematic percolator. 1959 Amer. Speech Oct. 237 English trade names..such as Hoovermatic (an automatic washer and dryer) or Sensimatic (a Burroughs bookkeeping machine). 1966 L. Cohen Beautiful Losers (1970) iii. 238 The Bowl-a-Matic habitually divided every strike between First and Second Player regardless of who or how many threw. 1971 Amat. Photographer 13 Jan. 92/2 (Advt.), Pakmatic.., Easymatic,..Instamatic. 1972 House & Garden Feb. 79 ‘Brush-o-matic’, to clean upholstery. |