phantom etymology

Meaning:

A phantom etymology is an incorrect or fanciful explanation of the origin of a word. It is based on a perceived similarity between the word and another word, but this similarity is often superficial or coincidental.

Origin:

The term "phantom etymology" was coined by the linguist Max Müller in the 19th century. Müller used the term to refer to etymologies that were based on guesswork or imagination, rather than on reliable historical evidence.

Examples:

Here are some examples of phantom etymologies:

• The word "salary" is often said to come from the Latin word "salarium," meaning "money for salt." However, there is no historical evidence to support this claim. The word "salary" actually comes from the Latin word "salarium," meaning "a stipend paid to soldiers."
• The word "spoon" is sometimes said to come from the German word "späne," meaning "splinter." However, this is unlikely, as the word "spoon" is much older than the German language. The word "spoon" most likely comes from the Old English word "spūn," meaning "chip" or "shaving."
• The word "nice" is often said to come from the Latin word "nescius," meaning "ignorant." However, this is incorrect. The word "nice" actually comes from the French word "nice," meaning "silly" or "foolish."

Consequences:

Phantom etymologies can be problematic because they can lead to people misinterpreting the meaning or origin of words. They can also make it difficult to understand the true history of words and their relationship to other languages.

phantom relate terms

• fantom

  Etymology fantom comes from the late 14th century Middle English fantome which in turn

• phantom

  Meaning A phantom etymology is an incorrect or fanciful explanation of the origin of a w

• phantasm

  Etymology The word phantasm is derived from the Greek word phantasma meaning an appe

• apparition

  Etymology The word apparition derives from the Latin appārēre meaning to appear

• shadow

  Etymology Old English sceadu from Proto Germanic skadwa meaning darkness shade

• spectrum

  Etymology The word spectrum comes from the Latin word spectrum which means appariti

• image

  Etymology The word image comes from the Latin word imago which in turn comes from th

• phantasmagoria

  Etymology From Late Latin phantasmagōria from Greek φαντασμαγορία phant

• idol

  Etymology The word idol originates from the Greek word eidōlon meaning image or

• semblance

  Etymology Middle English semblaunce from Anglo Norman French semblance from Old Fren

• respect

  Etymology The word respect derives from the Latin word respectus meaning a lookin

• scepter

  Etymology The word scepter derives from the Old French word sceptre which in turn c