1 folk etymology | Definition of folk etymology
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

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

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on folk etymology

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about folk etymology

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!