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WordNet-Online
Definitions from WordNet
Noun folk etymology has 1 sense | ||||
Definitions from the WebFolk EtymologyDescription: Folk etymology refers to the process in which the form or meaning of a word is modified to resemble a more familiar word, often leading to misconceptions about the word's true origin or sense. Sense 1: In linguistics, folk etymology is the alteration of an unfamiliar word to make it more recognizable, often by relating it to a similar-sounding or more common word. Example: The word "bridegroom" is a folk etymology as it is derived from "bride" and "groom," rather than its actual origin, "brideguma" meaning "bridesman" in Old English. Sense 2: In cultural studies, folk etymology refers to the popular legend or tale created to explain the perceived origin or meaning of a word or phrase. Example: The folk etymology behind the word "posh" claims that it originated from "Port Out, Starboard Home," referring to the preferred cabin position on British ships, though there is no evidence to support this explanation. Sense 3: In local usage, folk etymology can describe the modification of words or phrases specific to a particular region, resulting in regional variations or dialectal differences. Example: In the American South, the folk etymology of "y'all" emerged as a contraction of "you all," commonly used as a second-person plural pronoun. Possible Related Products: | ||||
folish folium folk folk art folk ballad folk dance folk dancer folk dancing folk etymology folk eyymology folk music folk play folk poet folk singer folk song folk tale folk tittade bara p
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