Religulous

[Benjamin Zimmer]

Randy Alexander wrote:
>
> This seems to be a portmanteau of some sorts, obviously "religious" is
> one part, but I can't put my finger on the other part.  The closest
> thing I can come up with is (heh) Caligula.  : )
>
> Help?

Doug Wilson wrote:
>
> "Ridiculous", I think.

Yes, Bill Maher explained this as a blend of "religious" and "ridiculous" when
he appeared on "The Daily Show":

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=186755&title=Bill-Maher-Pt.-1


--Ben Zimmer

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