FOLK ETYMOLOGY
(noun)Did you mean?
Definitions
There is 1 meaning of the phrase
Folk Etymology.
Folk Etymology - as a noun
A popular but erroneous etymology
Example Sentences
"One example of folk etymology is the word 'pineapple', which was originally derived from the Spanish word 'piña' for pine cone."
"The term 'bridegroom' underwent folk etymology, with 'groom' being reinterpreted as a servant or attendant."
"In folk etymology, complex or obscure words are often simplified or modified to align with more familiar terms."
"The folk etymology of 'coronavirus' as 'crown beer' gained traction despite being scientifically inaccurate."
"The expression 'long time no see' underwent folk etymology, falsely attributed to Native American speech patterns."
