Etymoloki

Etymoloki is a coined term used to describe a hypothetical field of study that investigates the etymology of mythological names and the linguistic processes that shape them, with emphasis on Loki, a figure from Norse mythology. The term blends etymology with the name Loki to signal an interest in how language encodes perceptions of trickery, transformation, and cultural memory through proper names and mythic labels.

Origins and scope: The coinage appears in informal discussions among philology enthusiasts and speculative fiction scholars rather than in standard linguistic curricula. As a result, there is no formal theory or consensus framework. Etymoloki typically combines methods from etymology, onomastics, phonology, and comparative mythology to explore how names evolve across languages and how mythic roles influence lexical choices.

Approach and examples: Analysts examine name histories, sound changes, and semantic shifts, and may compare Loki's name with similar trickster-name patterns in other cultures. The aim is descriptive rather than prescriptive, tracing plausible paths of linguistic change and cataloging recurring motifs in naming practices.

Reception and status: Etymoloki remains a niche, informal concept rather than a mainstream discipline. It is often treated as a thought experiment or a playful lens for examining language and myth, rather than a rigorously defined field with established methodologies.