patois etymology

Etymology:

• Anglo-Norman French: patois "language of the common people"
• Old French: patois "native language of a region"
• Late Latin: patavinitas "language of Padua"

Meaning:

Patois refers to a non-standard variety of language, typically spoken by a particular social group or geographical region. It is often distinguished from the standard language by its own grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Origin:

The term "patois" originated in the 12th century to describe the dialects spoken by the common people in northern France. These dialects differed significantly from the official language of the court and upper classes, which was based on Latin.

Over time, the term "patois" came to be used more broadly to refer to non-standard varieties of language spoken in different regions of France and elsewhere. It is often used in a derogatory or dismissive way, implying that these dialects are inferior to the standard language.

Usage:

Today, the term "patois" is still used to describe non-standard varieties of language, although it is generally considered outdated and offensive. More neutral terms such as "dialect," "variety," or "sociolect" are preferred.

In certain contexts, however, "patois" can still be used without negative connotations, particularly when referring to the traditional speech of a specific region or social group. For example, Jamaican Patois is a widely recognized and well-established variety of English spoken in Jamaica.

patois relate terms

• patten

  Etymology The word pattern comes from the Middle English word patron which in turn d

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• cant

  Etymology From Middle English canten ultimately from Old French chantere to sing

• jargon

  Etymology The word jargon originates from the French word jargon which in turn deriv

• dialect

  Etymology Dialect comes from the Greek διάλεκτος dialektos meaning convers

• groat

  Etymology The word groat is derived from the Middle Dutch word groot meaning large

• argot

  Etymology From French argot from Old Occitan argot beggars slang jargon perhaps

• idiom

  Etymology The word idiom comes from the Greek word idiōma meaning peculiar express

• accent

  Etymology From Middle English accent borrowed from Old French accent derived from

• vernacular

  Vernacular Etymology Meaning A folk or common sense etymology that is not based on histo

• altruism

  Etymology The word altruism is derived from the French word altruisme which in tur