burgeois etymology

Meaning:

Bourgeois etymology refers to the incorrect folk etymology of words, where people derive the origin of a word based on its sound or similarity to another word, rather than its actual linguistic origin.

Origin:

The term "bourgeois etymology" was coined in the 19th century by the German philologist Jacob Grimm. It is a translation of the French phrase "étymologie populaire," which was used to describe the popular, non-scholarly understanding of word origins.

Characteristics:

• Folk etymology: Derived from popular beliefs and imagination, rather than linguistic research.
• Phonetic similarity: Words are often associated with other words that sound similar, even if they have no semantic connection.
• Meaningful derivation: People try to make sense of the word's meaning by connecting it to known concepts or objects.
• Lack of historical evidence: The supposed origins are not supported by linguistic or historical records.

Examples:

• "Queue" (line): Derived from "cow tail" due to the similarity in shape.
• "Firefly": Derived from "fire fly" because the insect emits light.
• "Hamburglar": Derived from "hamburger" due to the character's association with McDonald's.

Impact:

Bourgeois etymology can lead to misconceptions about the true origins of words and the history of language. It can also perpetuate incorrect beliefs and influence the way people use and understand language.

Linguistic Perspective:

In linguistics, bourgeois etymology is considered a form of semantic change and a reflection of the creative and associative nature of language. While it may not be academically accurate, it can provide insights into the way people think about words and language.

burgeois relate terms

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• dichotomy

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