Volkstaalbenamingen

Volkstaalbenamingen, or folk etymologies, are explanations of the origins of words that are based on popular belief rather than historical or linguistic evidence. These explanations often emerge from the collective imagination of a community and are passed down through generations. They can be found in various languages and cultures, and they often serve to explain unusual or seemingly arbitrary words.

One common example of a volkstaalbenaming is the explanation for the word "sesquipedalian." In English, this term refers to someone who uses long words unnecessarily. The folk etymology suggests that the term comes from the Latin phrase "sesqui pedalis," which means "one and a half feet." However, this explanation is not accurate; the term actually comes from the Latin "sesqui-" meaning "one and a half" and "pedalis" meaning "of the foot," referring to a type of shoe.

Volkstaalbenamingen can also be found in other languages. For example, in Dutch, the word "krenten" is often explained as coming from the Dutch word for "crabs," but this is not the correct origin. The word "krenten" actually comes from the Dutch word "krent," which means "a small, sharp piece of wood."

These explanations can be entertaining and can provide insight into the cultural and linguistic history of a community. However, it is important to approach them with a critical eye, as they are often based on popular belief rather than historical or linguistic evidence. By understanding the difference between folk etymologies and accurate linguistic explanations, we can better appreciate the richness and complexity of language.