attitudinal etymology

Meaning of Attitudinal Etymology:

Attitudinal etymology refers to the alteration of a word's perceived meaning or pronunciation based on incorrect assumptions about its origin or etymology. It occurs when people interpret words according to their attitudes, beliefs, or preconceptions, rather than their actual etymological roots.

Origin:

The term "attitudinal etymology" was coined by American linguist Dwight Bolinger in 1950. It was initially used to explain the changes in word meanings that occurred due to the influence of popular culture and mass media.

Examples:

• Eggcorn: A word that is misheard and then respelled based on its perceived meaning. For example, "acorn" is sometimes mispronounced as "eggcorn," due to its similarity in sound.
• Folk etymology: The replacement of a word with a more familiar or seemingly more meaningful term. For instance, the word "cucumber" was once believed to mean "cow's member" (Latin: "cucumis"), leading to the replacement with the more euphemistic "cucumber."
• Back-formation: The creation of a new word by removing a perceived suffix or affix. For example, the word "endorse" is often misanalyzed as "en" + "dorse," leading to the back-formation of the noun "dorsement."

Consequences:

Attitudinal etymology can have several consequences:

• Misunderstandings: Altered word meanings can lead to confusion and miscommunication.
• Language change: It can contribute to the evolution of language as new words or pronunciations gain acceptance.
• Cultural insights: Attitudinal etymologies can reflect cultural beliefs, values, and mindsets.

Prevention and Correction:

To prevent and correct attitudinal etymologies, it is important to:

• Consult reliable etymological sources.
• Seek input from language experts.
• Be cautious of assumptions based on perceived meanings.

attitudinal relate terms

• attitude

  Etymology Medieval Latin aptitudo natural fitness suitability Latin aptus fit

• aptitude

  Etymology Latin aptitudo fitness suitability aptness Proto Indo European sep

• Knickerbocker

  Etymology The term knickerbocker is derived from the Dutch surname Van der Boogart

• ethnic

  Meaning of Ethnic Etymology Ethnic etymology refers to the false or unscientific explana

• blackmail

  Etymology The word blackmail is derived from the Middle English phrase blake male

• charge

  Etymology The word charge comes from the Old French word carge which in turn derives

• thank

  Etymology Origin Old English þancian from Proto Germanic þankōną from Proto In

• connoisseur

  Etymology French connoisseur Latin cognoscere to know to be acquainted with

• translate

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words étymon meaning true sense

• almond

  Etymology The word almond comes from the Latin word amygdăla which in turn is deri

• bishop

  Etymology From Middle English bischop from Old English biscop from Frankish biskups