leopardy

Origin:
leopard + jeopardy = leopardy

Definition:
n. a hazardous or dangerous situation created by the threat or presence of a leopard.

Exemplum:
As Dr. Pantalco Ambrozino stalked through the African savanna, rifle in hand, he heard two distinct growls from behind him. The predator had become the prey; he was in double leopardy.

Commentary:
True story: Dr. Pantalco Ambrozino is a real, flesh-and-blood colleague of mine who emerged from the above situation not only alive, but with two leopards for the wall of his den, one story for the ages and, lest we forget, one awe-inspiring portmanteau exemplum.

Kindly note the impressive impact of the phrase "double leopardy." It offers additional context for the portmanteau, making it more easily understood, while offering a usage experience that's savory and ambrosial for all parties.

It has been suggested that today's portmanteau could also be used to express difficulty with Apple computer's popular Leopard operating system. Sigh. If such a sophomoronic supposition actually required a rebuttal, I'd argue that Apple products are notorious for their reliability from the hassles that would categorize a state of technological "leopardy." I'd also argue that this meaning completely emasculates the unbridled viscerality of the eternal showdown between man and beast, and that anyone suggesting an alternate meaning is a far less dangerous type of feline (*cough*total*pussy*cough*).

Ultimately the portmanteau fans of the world are free to do as they like. But I'll close with this advice: if and when you use today's term, know your surroundings and use it well. You'd hate to have your inferior usage brought to light in a socially crippling situation-- leopardy jeopardy.

Credit:
Nate Winter