A back-formation is a word
created by removing an element from an existing word. It can change
the word’s meaning or the part of speech.
Berserk is a back-formation from berserker, one of a band of
ancient Norse warriors legendary for their savagery and reckless
frenzy in battle.
Pea and plural peas are a back-formation of Middle English
'pease', which was a mass noun in wide use, like oatmeal.
Edit is a back formation of editor. Editor was in use for almost 150
years before edit. Edit arose because the word 'editor' sounds as if
it should mean 'one who edits'.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments