folk etymology etymology

Etymology

• Folk: From Middle English folk, meaning "people" or "common folk."
• Etymology: From Greek etymon, meaning "true sense" or "origin (of a word)."

Meaning

Folk etymology refers to the process by which people create new etymologies for words based on their own assumptions or misunderstandings. These new etymologies often have little or no connection to the actual origin of the word.

Origin

The term "folk etymology" was first used in the 19th century by German philologists. It was originally called "Volksetymologie" in German, which translates to "folk etymology."

Characteristics

Folk etymologies typically have the following characteristics:

• Based on similarity in sound: People often associate words with other words that have similar pronunciations, even if there is no connection between them.
• Based on cultural beliefs or associations: People may create etymologies that align with their cultural beliefs or associations, such as associating a word with a local landmark or historical figure.
• Based on mistaken assumptions: People may make assumptions about the meaning or origin of a word based on its form or context.
• Not supported by linguistic evidence: Folk etymologies are not supported by historical or linguistic data.

Examples

• Sesame Street: Originally called "Sesame Street" (referring to "sesame seeds"), but folk etymology led to the belief that it was named after "Sim Sim Street," a street in Baghdad.
• Hamburger: Originally from German "Hamburger" (referring to the city of Hamburg), but folk etymology linked it to "ham" (pork).
• Avocado: From Nahuatl āhuacatl, but folk etymology changed it to "avocado" because it resembled the Spanish word for "advocate."
• Apron: From Middle English napron, but folk etymology led to the belief that it was related to "apron" (a garment worn over clothing).
• Sore: From Old English sar, meaning "pain," but folk etymology linked it to the word "sore."

folk etymology relate terms

• etymology

  Etymology Meaning The historical development and origin of a word or language The stu

• folk

  Meaning of Folk Etymology Folk etymology also known as popular etymology or dubious e

• people

  Etymology The word people is derived from the Latin word populus which means a bod

• folks

  Meaning of Folk Etymology Folk etymology is the process by which a word or phrase is alt

• folklore

  Meaning of Folklore Etymology Folklore etymology refers to the popular or incorrect expl

• wormwood

  Etymology The word wormwood is derived from the Old English word wermōd which is a

• pickelhaube

  Etymology of Pickelhaube The word Pickelhaube is derived from two German words Picke

• ratline

  Etymology Ratline is a compound word consisting of rat and line Rat is derived f

• serviette

  Etymology The word serviette is derived from the French word serviette which in turn

• crayfish

  Etymology The word crayfish is derived from Middle English crayfyssh which in turn

• Hebrew

  Etymology Hebrew עִבְרִית Ivrit is a Semitic language of the Afroasiatic langu

• sedulous

  Etymology Latin sedulus meaning diligent assiduous watchful Indo European sed m

• truant

  Etymology Middle English truaunt from Old French truant from trauandier stroller va