communal etymology

Communal Etymology

Meaning: A false etymology that arises from popular imagination or folk beliefs, rather than from historical linguistic knowledge.

Origin: The term "communal etymology" was coined by Max Müller in the mid-19th century. It is based on the idea that words often undergo semantic shifts and changes over time, and that popular etymologies arise from the desire to create a connection between the word's current form and its perceived original meaning.

Characteristics:

• Folk Etymology: Based on popular beliefs and folklore, often unrelated to the actual history of the word.
• Transparency: Attempts to make the word's meaning self-evident based on its apparent sound or shape.
• Spurious Connections: Creates false connections between words with different origins and meanings.
• Consistency: Tends to follow certain patterns or schemas in its formation, such as associating words with animals, mythological figures, or historical events.

Examples:

• Cockroach: Originally from Spanish "cucaracha," but commonly believed to be derived from "cock" and "roach."
• Goosebumps: Originated from the appearance of the bumps resembling goose feathers, but often wrongly associated with "goose" and "bump."
• New York: Established as "New Amsterdam" by Dutch settlers, but later folk etymology connected it to the Duke of York.
• Cattywampus: Derived from the American Indian word "katiwampos," but commonly associated with the phrase "catty" (meaning slanted) and "wampus" (meaning crooked).
• Pandemonium: Originated from Greek "pan" (all) and "daemonion" (demons), but commonly perceived as a combination of "pande" (all) and "monium" (money).

Importance:

Communal etymologies can shed light on popular beliefs and imaginations. They also highlight the dynamic nature of language and how words can acquire new meanings and associations over time. However, it is essential to distinguish between true etymologies based on linguistic research and the speculative nature of communal etymologies.

communal relate terms

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• banal

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• patio

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• lip service

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• carnival

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• cardinal

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• pupil

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• keel

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