vulgar etymology

Vulgar Etymology

Meaning: A folk explanation for the origin of a word that is not based on linguistic evidence. It is often humorous or fanciful in nature.

Origin: The term "vulgar etymology" is derived from the Latin "vulgus," meaning "common people," and "etymologia," meaning "true meaning of a word."

Characteristics:

• Unrelated to True Etymology: Vulgar etymologies are not based on scholarly research or linguistic evidence.
• Humorous or Fanciful: They often feature creative or absurd explanations that appeal to the imagination.
• Regional or Local: Vulgar etymologies often emerge in specific communities or regions.
• Passed Down Orally: They are typically transmitted through oral tradition rather than written sources.

Examples:

• Bacon: From "Bacchus' own" (origin: Old French "bacon")
• Sandwich: From "the Earl of Sandwich" (origin: unknown)
• Kilometer: From "a thousand meters" (origin: Greek "khiliometres")
• Unicorn: From "one horn" (origin: Latin "unicornis")

Significance:

Vulgar etymologies can provide insight into the culture and beliefs of a community. They can also be a source of entertainment and amusement. However, they should not be confused with true etymologies, which are based on rigorous linguistic research.

vulgar relate terms

• divulge

  Etymology Origin Latin divulgare Meaning to make public Components di prefi

• vulgar

  Vulgar Etymology Meaning A folk explanation for the origin of a word that is not based o

• vulgar

  Vulgar Etymology Meaning A folk explanation for the origin of a word that is not based o

• common

  Etymology refers to the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the

• vernacular

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

• common

  Etymology refers to the study of the origin and history of words It involves tracing the

• certainty

  Etymology The word certainty comes from the Old French word certeinte which in turn

• fusilier

  Etymology French fusilier Middle French fuzilier Medieval Latin fociarius Latin foc

• uncouth

  Etymology The word uncouth comes from Middle English uncouthe which in turn origina

• plebeian

  Etymology Latin plebs common people eius of or belonging to Meaning Ple

• coarse

  Etymology Middle English from Old French cors coure coarse from Latin crussus hard