Word Formation 5.

Folk Etymology
Prepared by: Mr. Charlie Celocia - Folk etymology is the process where an
unfamiliar word is changed to look like
The formation of words can occur through various processes, each another word. Folk etymologies happen when
with its unique characteristics and influences. In this discussion, we a word is misheard, mispronounced, or misunderstood.
will explore some common word formation processes, including Examples:
clipping, blending, acronymy, compounding, and folk etymology, and
discuss their role in shaping our vocabulary. caterpillar - This word is from Old French chatepelose, which
means “hairy cat.” It was replaced by the Middle English word
1. Clipping
1. piller, meaning “pillager” because caterpillars “pillage” plants. The
spelling was changed to pillar when piller became archaic.
- Clipped words are concise and easier to
pronounce, making them convenient for “AD” checkmate - English borrowed the phrase from Old French
escheque mat, which was from the Arabic term shah mat “the
everyday speech. They also help streamline ADVERSTISEMENT
king (shah) is dead.” According to Barnhart Etymological
language, especially in informal settings like Dictionary, it is a misinterpretation of the Persian word “mat,”
texting or chatting. meaning “be astonished.” Thus, if Persian is the source of the
- Is a word formation process where a word is reduced or shortened word, the word literally means “the king is left helpless” or “the
without changing the meaning of the word. king is stumped.”
Examples:
examination ------- exam Mathematics ------- Math
laboratory ------- lab photograph ------- photo

2. Blending
If you have questions, write down your queries about
- A word formation process where parts or this lesson below.
two or more words are blended to form a
new word. Often, the meaning of the new
word is a combination of the meanings of
the two words.
- Blend words are also called portmanteaus.
Examples:
spoon + fork = spork breakfast + lunch = brunch
web + seminar = webinar

3. Acronymy
- Acronymy is the formation of words
from the initial components of words in a
phrase. An acronym is a word or name
formed as abbreviation from the initial
components of a word or phrase.
Examples:
UNESCO -- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization
laser -- light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation
scuba -- self-contained underwater breathing apparatus

4. Compounding
- Is a word formation process where two
or more words are put together to form a
new word. Compound words may be open,
closed, or hyphenated. Open your ECAS book to page 88 and answer the
Examples: activities on pages 88-89.
Open compounds - living room, school bus, post office, full moon,
ice cream
Closed compounds - rainwater, catwalk, nightfall, jellybean, Some pieces of information were taken directly from your
watercolor ECAS 9 book.

Hyphenated compounds - merry-go-round, daughter-in-law, one-

third, eighty-five, over-the-counter