Origin of the word "Gizmo" (was Origin of the word "Tantrum")

[Douglas G. Wilson]

>Any new suggested etymologies for "gizmo/ gismo" ?  OED and HDAS are both
>at a loss.

Just an observation, of uncertain relevance.

Spanish "chisme" is defined by one dictionary (elmundo.es) as "Baratija,
trasto pequeño o cualquier objeto del que se desconoce el nombre" = (my
casual and dubious translation) "Trinket, small utensil or any object whose
name is unknown". This word in this sense appears in the Spanish Academy
dictionary since pre-1800. Apparently it is used in Spain and Mexico at least.

Quite a coincidence, anyway ... especially if "gizmo" was once pronounced
"jizmo".

-- Doug Wilson


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