surrogate etymology

Etymology:

The term "surrogate etymology" is derived from the Latin words:

• Surrogare: To substitute or replace
• Etymologia: The origin and derivation of words

Meaning:

Surrogate etymology refers to the false or incorrect explanation of the origin of a word, typically based on a perceived similarity to another word or morpheme. It involves the substitution of the actual etymology with an invented or derived one.

Origin:

The concept of surrogate etymology has been recognized for centuries. Ancient writers, including Plato and Aristotle, noted the tendency for people to create false etymologies for words.

Characteristics:

• Folklore: Surrogate etymologies are often passed down through folklore and popular culture.
• Similarity: They typically involve a perceived resemblance between a word and another word or morpheme.
• Lack of evidence: Surrogate etymologies are not supported by historical or linguistic evidence.
• Humor: They can sometimes be humorous or creative attempts to explain word origins.

Examples:

• Cucumber: Believed to come from "cool amber" (surrogate etymology) but actually derived from the Latin "cucumis."
• Nightmare: Thought to come from "night mare" (a female demon) but actually derived from the Old English "nite mare" (pressure on the chest during sleep).
• Gossiping: Said to come from "God sipping" (surrogate etymology) but actually derived from the Middle English "godsibb" (godparent).

Significance:

While surrogate etymologies may not be accurate, they can provide insights into cultural misconceptions, folk beliefs, and the human tendency to create meaning from language. They also highlight the importance of relying on reliable sources for etymological information.

surrogate relate terms

• subrogate

  Etymology The word subrogate originates from the Latin verb subrogare which means

• surrogate

  Etymology The term surrogate etymology is derived from the Latin words Surrogare T

• surrogacy

  Etymology Latin surrogatus literally substituted Latin surrogare to substitu

• surrogate

  Etymology The term surrogate etymology is derived from the Latin words Surrogare T

• deputy

  Etymology Old French depute Latin deputāre to appoint assign de away put

• alternate

  Alternate Etymology Word Maize Alternate Etymology Possibly from the Taino an extinct

• foster

  Etymology Old English fostrian meaning to bring up nourish or cherish Proto Germ

• forest

  Etymology The English word forest comes from the Old French word forest which in tu

• relief

  Etymology Latin relevare meaning to lighten ease lift Ancient Greek analeipsis

• substitute

  Etymology Derived from the Latin word substituere meaning to put in place of anothe

• mother

  Etymology The word mother is derived from the Proto Indo European root m āter meanin

• perspicacity

  Etymology Perspicacity originates from the Latin word perspicacitās which is deriv

• abandon

  Etymology Origin Middle English abandonar from Old French abandoner from Late Latin