locutory etymology

Locutory Etymology

Meaning: A false or popular etymology based on a supposed connection between a word's sound and its meaning.

Origin:

The term "locutory etymology" derives from two Latin words:

• Locutorius: Relating to speech or language
• Etymologia: The origin of words

Locutory etymology arises when people create etymologies based on the perceived sound or form of a word rather than its actual historical origin. This often leads to playful or humorous explanations that may not have any connection to the word's true etymology.

Examples:

• "Caterpillar" supposedly derived from "cat" and "pillar" because of its shape and furry appearance.
• "Nightmare" supposedly derived from "night mare" because of the belief that nightmares were caused by female demons riding on horses at night.
• "Gobbledygook" supposedly derived from the sound made by a turkey.
• "Malapropism" supposedly derived from Mrs. Malaprop, a character in Sheridan's play "The Rivals," who famously misused words.

Significance:

Locutory etymology can be entertaining and can provide insight into people's perception of language. However, it is important to distinguish between true and false etymologies, as locutory etymologies can spread misinformation and perpetuate linguistic misconceptions.

locutory relate terms

• circumlocution

  Etymology Latin circumlocutio circum around locutus past participle of loq

• colloquium

  Etymology The word colloquium is derived from the Latin word colloqui which means t

• colloquy

  Etymology The word colloquy derives from the Latin word colloquium which means conf

• elocution

  Etymology and Meaning of Elocution Origin Latin elocūtiō Meaning Speaking out sp

• eloquence

  Etymology Latin eloquentia Proto Indo European h₁el to speak Meaning The a

• grandiloquence

  Etymology Latin grandiloquus grandis grand loqui to speak Meaning The

• interlocution

  Etymology Inter Latin between Loqui Latin to speak tion Latin the act

• interlocutor

  Etymology Latin interlocutor interlocutor From the prefix inter between loqu

• locution

  Etymology French locution Latin locutiō a speaking speech saying Derived from

• locutory

  Locutory Etymology Meaning A false or popular etymology based on a supposed connection b

• loquacious

  Etymology The word loquacious comes from the Latin word loqui which means to speak

• loquacity

  Etymology From Latin loquacitat loquax talkative from loqui to speak Mean

• loquitur

  Etymology Loquitur is a Latin word that means speaks or speake It is derived from

• magniloquence

  Etymology lt Latin magniloquentia grandiloquence from magniloquus grandiloque

• magniloquent

  Etymology Magniloquent is derived from the Latin phrase magni loqui meaning to spe

• obloquy

  Etymology Obloquy comes from the Latin word obloqui which means to speak against

• soliloquy

  Etymology The word soliloquy comes from the Latin word soliloquium which itself der

• somniloquy

  Etymology Somniloquy is derived from the Latin words somnus sleep loqui

• vaniloquence

  Etymology From Latin vaniloquus speaking vain things From vanus vain empty l

• ventriloquism

  Etymology Ventriloquism is derived from three Latin words Venter belly Loqui

• ventriloquy

  Etymology The word ventriloquy is derived from the Latin words venter belly and lo

• psychology

  Etymology Psycho from Greek psyche meaning mind soul or breath logy from Gree

• ostensible

  Etymology Latin ostendere to show exhibit Past participle ostensus French os

• Cincinnati

  Etymology The name Cincinnati is derived from the Latin phrase Cincinnatus qui colit

• satire

  Etymology The word satire comes from the Latin word satura which means a mixture o

• Whig

  Etymology The term Whig is derived from the Scottish word whiggamore which original

• constipation

  Etymology The word constipation is derived from the Latin word constipare which mean

• sheepish

  Etymology The word sheepish derives from the Middle English word sheepisch which is

• staple

  Etymology The word staple derives from the Old English word stapol which means a po

• technology

  Etymology of Technology The word technology originates from two Greek words Techn