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VLearn > Word Formation > Word Formation Processes > Folk Etymology

Folk Etymology

Word Formation Processes

Coinage/Invention
Borrowing
Compounding
Blending
Clipping/Truncation
Backformation
Conversion
Acronyms
Derivation
Echoism/Symbolism/
Onomatopoeia
Folk Etymology
Reduplication
Multiple processes

Folk Etymology

Folk Etymology refers to the changing of a word or a phrase over time which results from the replacement of an unfamiliar form by a more familiar one.

Example:

"Bryd-guman" from Old English was changed to bridegroom as the Old English word guma (man) was obsolete.