hobgoblin etymology

Etymology:

• Old English: hobgoblin
• c. 1500: hopgoblin

Meaning:

• A mischievous or evil spirit, typically considered smaller and less powerful than a demon or devil.

Origin:

The origins of the word "hobgoblin" are uncertain, but there are several possible theories:

• Hob + Goblin: A combination of "hob" (an imp or goblin) and "goblin" (a mischievous spirit).
• Huggin + Goblin: Derived from the names of two ravens associated with the god Odin in Norse mythology: Huggin and Muninn. Huggin was said to fly around the world gathering information for Odin.
• Hob + Hurdle: Referring to a hob or sprite that hinders people and causes trouble.
• Hob + Cob: Meaning a sprite or hobgoblin that dwells in a storehouse or granary.
• Hopergoblin: A goblin that hops or skips around, causing mischief.

It is also possible that the word "hobgoblin" was originally a derogatory term used to describe people who were perceived as mischievous or evil. Over time, the term came to be associated with supernatural beings.

Examples:

• "The mischievous hobgoblin crept into the house and stole the children's toys."
• "The traveler lost his way in the forest and encountered a horde of hobgoblins lurking in the shadows."
• "The villagers believed that the old oak tree was haunted by a malevolent hobgoblin that brought bad luck."

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