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folk etymology

/fəʊk ˌetɪˈmɒlədʒi/

1 entry

phrase

/fəʊk ˌetɪˈmɒlədʒi/C1formaltechnical
  • ruПроцесс, при котором слово или фраза со временем изменяются на основе ошибочного предположения об их происхождении или значении, часто делая их более знакомыми или понятными. Например, «спарроуграсс» вместо «аспарагус».

A process by which a word or phrase is changed over time based on a mistaken assumption about its origin or meaning, often making it more familiar or easier to understand. For example, 'sparrowgrass' for 'asparagus'.

  1. Popular word origin explanationC1formal

    A process by which a word's origin is reinterpreted based on its sound or structure, often incorrectly, by ordinary speakers.

    ruНародная этимология

    • The word 'hangnail' is often explained by folk etymology as a nail that hangs, though it comes from Old English.
    • 'Cockroach' was altered from Spanish 'cucaracha' by folk etymology to sound like 'cock' and 'roach'.
    • The term 'sparrowgrass' for asparagus is a classic example of folk etymology.