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folk etymology

noun

Definition 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, in the meaning defined above

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Dictionary Entries near folk etymology

folkcraft

folk dance

Folkestone

folk etymology

folkfree

folk guitar

folk hero

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Time Traveler for folk etymology

The first known use of folk etymology was in 1882

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folk etymology

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