An unsuccessful etymology is an attempt to explain the origin of a word that is not supported by evidence or is otherwise flawed.
Meaning
Incorrect: An explanation of a word's origin that is based on faulty logic, guesswork, or a lack of understanding of linguistic principles.
False: An etymology that is contradicted by historical evidence or linguistic data.
Misleading: An etymology that creates a false impression about the origin or development of a word.
Origin
Unsuccessful etymologies can arise from various causes, including:
Folk etymology: A popular guess about a word's origin that is often based on its perceived similarity to other words.
Coincidence: Two words may share a similar form by chance, without any historical connection.
Lack of data: Sometimes, there is insufficient evidence to determine the true origin of a word, leading to inconclusive or incorrect etymologies.
Linguistic misunderstandings: An incorrect understanding of language structure or sound changes can result in false etymologies.
Examples
"Mother" from "mudder": This folk etymology is based on the superficial similarity between the two words. In reality, "mother" comes from Proto-Germanic "mōđēr," which is unrelated to "mudder."
"Cucumber" from "cow's cumber": This etymology falsely suggests that cucumbers were originally thought to burden cows. The word actually derives from the Latin "cucumis," which is of unknown origin.
"Nimrod" from "mighty ruler": This folk etymology is based on a misreading of Genesis 10:8, which refers to Nimrod as a "mighty hunter." The name actually comes from the Akkadian "nimrudu," meaning "leopard."
