crock etymology

Etymology

The word "crock" has two distinct etymologies:

  • Pottery: Derived from the Middle Dutch "krook," meaning "hook" or "curve." It refers to the curved handle or lip of a ceramic vessel.
  • Humbug or Nonsense: Derived from the Middle English "crok," meaning "crooked" or "false." It referred to a trick or deception.

Meaning and Origin

Pottery:

  • A crock is a large ceramic vessel with a wide mouth and narrow base.
  • It is typically used for storing liquids, such as milk, butter, or other dairy products.
  • In early cultures, crocks were made by hand from clay and fired in a kiln.

Humbug or Nonsense:

  • The slang term "crock" emerged in the 16th century to describe something that is false or exaggerated.
  • It is typically used to refer to absurd or ridiculous claims or beliefs.
  • The origin of this meaning is unclear, but it may be related to the idea of something being "crooked" or misleading.

Usage

  • "Crock" is primarily used to refer to a large pottery vessel.
  • In informal settings, it can also be used figuratively to describe something as being exaggerated or false.

Examples

  • "Grandma's crock held fresh milk for the whole family."
  • "That politician's speech was a crock of lies."

crock relate terms

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    Etymology The word crockery is derived from the Middle French word croquée meaning

  • crock

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  • cruet

    Etymology The word cruet comes from the Old French word cruel which itself is deriv

  • crock

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  • soot

    Etymology Soot comes from the following sources Old English sot meaning blackne

  • potter

    Etymology Middle English pottere Old English pottere Proto Germanic puttarjaz Proto

  • bleed

    Etymology Middle English bleden from Old English blēdan of Germanic origin related

  • silo

    Etymology The word silo comes from the Latin word sīrus meaning pit for storing g

  • soil

    Etymology The word soil originates from the Old French word soil which itself derive

  • grime

    Etymology The word grime has its origins in the Old English word grima which means

  • must

    Etymology Origin Latin mustum meaning unfermented grape juice Evolution Old Fre