folk etymology
"Folk etymology" refers to the process where the form or meaning of a word changes due to popular but incorrect beliefs about its origins.
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Definition
C1Linguistics
(technical, academic)The alteration of a word or phrase based on a mistaken belief about its etymology, making it more familiar to speakers.
Example
- The word 'chaise lounge' is a result of folk etymology, derived from the French 'chaise longue'.
B2General
(informal)A popular but incorrect explanation of the origin of a word or phrase.
Example
- Many people think 'crayfish' is related to 'fish' due to folk etymology.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "folk etymology":