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folk etymology
noun
- a modification of a linguistic form according either to a falsely assumed etymology, as Welsh rarebit from Welsh rabbit, or to a historically irrelevant analogy, as bridegroom from bridegome.
- a popular but false notion of the origin of a word.
folk etymology
noun
- the gradual change in the form of a word through the influence of a more familiar word or phrase with which it becomes associated, as for example sparrow-grass for asparagus
- a popular but erroneous conception of the origin of a word
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Word History and Origins
Origin of folk etymology1
First recorded in 1880–85
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Example Sentences
I moved to Washington in 1988 with the folk etymology of lobbyist firmly in mind.
From The Daily Beast
The Tuna story is described as ‘a clear case of disease of language cured by the ordinary nostrum of folk-etymology.’
From Project Gutenberg
We must never confuse such myths of folk-etymology with myths arising (on the philological hypothesis) from ‘disease of language.’
From Project Gutenberg
Now, to give an etymology of a name of forgotten meaning is the sole object of folk-etymology.
From Project Gutenberg
At Queensferry, by a folk etymology, one of the lads wears a coat stuck over with burrs.
From Project Gutenberg
We have a bear Callisto (Artemis) in Arcady, where a folk etymology might explain it by stretching a point.
From Project Gutenberg
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