perceptual etymology

Perceptual Etymology

Meaning:

Perceptual etymology is a phenomenon in which speakers create new etymologies for words based on their perceived sound or meaning, rather than on actual historical origins. These new etymologies are often folk etymologies that reflect the speaker's perception of the word's current form and meaning.

Origin:

The term "perceptual etymology" was coined by Leo Spitzer in his 1948 book "The Linguistics of Literary Style." Spitzer argued that perceptual etymology is a common occurrence in language, and that it can provide insights into the psychological processes involved in language use.

How It Works:

Perceptual etymology typically occurs when a speaker encounters a word that is unfamiliar or whose origin is unclear. To make sense of the word, the speaker may create a new etymology that aligns with the word's perceived sound or meaning.

For example, the word "cockroach" may be perceived as a combination of "cock" and "roach," even though the word's actual etymology is from the Spanish "cucaracha."

Examples:

• Bogus: Perceived to be related to "bog"; actual etymology: Bulgarian "bog" (God)
• Caterpillar: Perceived to be related to "cat"; actual etymology: Latin "catta pilosa" (hairy cat)
• Cockroach: Perceived to be related to "cock" and "roach"; actual etymology: Spanish "cucaracha"
• Cucumber: Perceived to be related to "cool"; actual etymology: Latin "cucumis"
• Dumb: Perceived to be related to "deaf"; actual etymology: Old English "dum" (mute)

Significance:

Perceptual etymology can shed light on the processes involved in language learning and memory. It also provides insights into the role of perception and imagination in language use. Additionally, it can help to uncover the motivations behind certain folk etymologies that have become widely accepted.

perceptual relate terms

• factual

  Etymology The word factual is derived from the Latin word factum which means someth

• fact

  Etymology The word fact is derived from the Latin word factum which means a thing

• actual

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true meaning

• percept

  Etymology The word percept is derived from the Latin word percipere meaning to take

• perceive

  Etymology Latin percipere to take hold of lay hold of Proto Indo European per

• concept

  Concept Etymology From Latin conceptus meaning something conceived Derived from

• denomination

  Etymology The term denomination originates from the Latin word denominare meaning t

• ambiguous

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

• journey

  Etymology and Meaning The word journey originates from the Old French word journee

• lip service

  Etymology The term lipservice is derived from two words Lip The physical fleshy pa

• vesper

  Etymology and Origin The word vesper comes from the Latin word vesper which means

• leader

  Etymology Old English ledere leader guide Middle English leder Proto Germanic l

• oxygen

  Etymology The word oxygen is derived from the Greek roots ὀξύς oxys meanin

• occult

  Etymology The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus which means hidden