folk etymology
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.folk etymology
nounDefinition of FOLK ETYMOLOGY
: the transformation of words so as to give them an apparent relationship to other better-known or better-understood words (as in the change of Spanish cucaracha to English cockroach)
First Known Use of FOLK ETYMOLOGY
1882
Learn More About FOLK ETYMOLOGY
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: folkfree
Previous Word in the Dictionary: folk dance
All Words Near: folk etymology
Previous Word in the Dictionary: folk dance
All Words Near: folk etymology
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up folk etymology? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
