moonraker etymology

Etymology:

The word "moonraker" is a term dating back to the 17th century in England. It is derived from the following sources:

• "moon" (referring to the astronomical body)
• "rake" (a tool with a row of teeth used for gathering and moving hay or other loose material)

Meaning:

A "moonraker" originally referred to a person who raked the moon, often depicted as a foolish or impossible task. The term came to be used figuratively to describe:

• A person who attempts something impractical or impossible
• A gullible or naive person
• A liar or braggart

Origin:

The exact origin of the term is uncertain, but there are several theories:

• Astronomical allusion: The idea of raking the moon may have originated from the way the moon's image appears to move across the night sky.
• Practical joke: The term may have been coined as a practical joke by William Herschel, the astronomer who discovered Uranus. He reportedly told a group of villagers that he was "raking the moon" using a telescope.
• Smuggling: Another theory suggests that moonrakers were actually smugglers who would hide their goods under hay and then "rake" the moon (i.e., disturb the hay) to distract customs officers during raids.

Over time, the meaning of "moonraker" evolved to encompass more general notions of impracticality, gullibility, and deception.

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