LL-L "Etymology" 2010.05.13 (06) [EN]

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L O W L A N D S - L - 13 May 2010 - Volume 06
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From: Jacqueline Bungenberg de Jong <Dutchmatters at comcast.net>

Subject: LL-L "Etymology" 2010.05.13 (03) [EN]



Hi Jonny, Re : Big.. According to Origins from Norwegian Bug. Which then
brings me to the next question. Whence comes the boogeyman. Jacqueline



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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>

Subject: Etymology


Apparently, “big” started appearing in Northern English varieties in the
13th century, first meaning ‘strong’ and ‘powerful’. As it spread, it
acquired the meaning ‘of great size’.

It’s origin is unclear. Some believe it is connected with (older?) Norwegian
*bugge* ‘big man’.

If “bogey” (“bogeyman”, “bugbear”, “bugaboo” etc.) is related to this isn’t
clear, though somewhat possible in my opinion. In Middle English it was *
bugge* and denoted a scary monster. There appears to be a strong Celtic
connection, e.g. Welsh *bwg*, Scottish Gaelic *bogill* (> Scots *bogle*),
both ‘ghost’, ‘monster’, ‘bugbear’, etc. (also Welsh *bwgwl* ‘fear’ >
‘threat’). German dialects -- I believe they are southern, thus those in
areas in which Celtic used to be spoken -- have *Bögge* and *Böggelmann* in
the same sense.


Regards,
Reinhard/Ron
Seattle, USA



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