mimetic etymology

Meaning:

Mimetic etymology refers to the erroneous connection of an existing word to a foreign word that resembles its sound. It is a type of folk etymology where words are altered to fit a known or familiar term.

Origin:

The term "mimetic etymology" comes from the Greek words "mimetikos" (imitating) and "etymon" (true origin). The concept was first recognized in the 19th century by linguists such as Ferdinand de Saussure and Max Müller.

Examples:

• Unicorn: This word was originally derived from the Latin "unicornis," meaning "one-horned." However, over time, people mistakenly connected it to the Latin word "cornu" (horn), believing that unicorns had several horns.
• Cockroach: This word originated from the Spanish "cucaracha." In English, it was erroneously linked to the word "roach," a type of fish, due to their similar sound.
• April Fool: This expression was originally "All Fools' Day." However, people misinterpreted it as "April Fool," believing that it referred to making fools of others on that particular day.
• Hocus Pocus: This phrase was derived from a Latin incantation used by magicians. Over time, it became associated with the words "hocus" and "pocus" simply because they sounded similar.
• Wendy: This name is believed to have originated from the Welsh name "Gwendolen." However, in the United States, it was mistakenly linked to the word "wend," meaning "to turn," due to its similar pronunciation.

Significance:

Mimetic etymology highlights the influence of sound similarity on language evolution. It can lead to changes in word form and meaning, sometimes resulting in new words with different origins than originally intended. These misconnections can provide insights into the cognitive processes involved in language acquisition and change.

mimetic relate terms

• mime

  Etymology The word mime comes from the Greek word mimos which means imitator or a

• ambiguous

  Etymology Ambiguous etymology refers to words whose origin and history are uncertain or

• guilt

  Etymology Old English gylt crime sin Proto Germanic gultiz debt guilt Proto Indo

• meticulous

  Etymology Origin of the Word The word meticulous originates from the Latin word met

• pillar

  Etymology The word pillar comes from the Late Latin word pilare meaning to support

• avatar

  Etymology and Meaning The word avatar is derived from the Sanskrit word avatāra whi

• rhetoric

  Etymology The word rhetoric comes from the Greek word rhētorikē derived from rhē

• adjective

  Etymology The word adjective comes from the Latin word adjectivus which means added

• peter

  Etymology and Meaning The name Peter is derived from the Greek word πέτρος pet

• about

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing

• industry

  Etymology The word industry is derived from the Latin word industria which means d