folk etymology
noun
: 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)
folk-etymologize
transitive verb
folk-etymologized; folk-etymologizing; folk-etymologizes
The French term chaise longue, meaning "long chair," was folk-etymologized in English to chaise lounge.
Cite this Entry
“Folk etymology.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/folk%20etymology. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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