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)
-
Trending Now:
More Trending:
- dotage, dotard otherwise federalism bodega carceral
- ALL
What's Trending Now
More Trending Words
folk etymology
noun
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
First Known Use of folk etymology
1882
Learn More about folk etymology
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folk etymology
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up folk etymology? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
