Wordsmith.org: the magic of words

Wordsmith Talk

About Us | What's New | Search | Site Map | Contact Us  

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
#182651 02/16/09 12:28 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
V
Vivi Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
V
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Does anyone know the origin of the word, "Bumpkin?"
I'm trying to find where it comes from, and date of coinage.
Thank you in advance for your help.

Vivi #182653 02/16/09 12:43 PM
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13,803
AHD has some interesting comments but for best results, try wordorigins.org.

Faldage #182655 02/16/09 02:04 PM
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,210
Word-detective has a bit more, and the 1828 Noah Webster's already had it listed.


formerly known as etaoin...
Faldage #182659 02/16/09 05:30 PM
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 10,542
Originally Posted By: Faldage
AHD has some interesting comments but for best results, try wordorigins.org.


"Any bumpkin would surely prefer this etymology to the suggestion that bumpkin is a derivative of bum, “the rear end.”"

heh. interestingly (or not), OED2 has three(3) disparate senses for bumkin, :
1) [[f. BOOM n. + -KIN; possibly the Du. boomken may formerly have been used in this special sense. The spelling bumpkin is now more usual.] ‘A short boom projecting from each bow of a ship, to extend the lower edge of the foresail to windward.’
2) a vessel for carrying water
3) [fr. bum + -kin] ‘A burlesque term for the posteriors.’ [quotes per OED2]

this seems to add some backstory to those AHD comments!

Vivi #182679 02/17/09 02:20 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
V
Vivi Offline OP
stranger
OP Offline
stranger
V
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 3
Thanks to all for responding so quickly.
I am in awe of your expertise.

Vivi #182682 02/17/09 04:48 PM
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,956
Likes: 3
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 9,956
Likes: 3


I really appreciate the references too, thanks.


----please, draw me a sheep----
LukeJavan8 #182692 02/17/09 06:43 PM
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,295
Carpal Tunnel
Offline
Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,295
"possibly the Du. boomken may formerly have been used in this special sense. The spelling bumpkin is now more usual.] ‘A short boom projecting from each bow of a ship, to extend the lower edge of the foresail to windward.’"

May this DU. person add the comment that the word 'boomken'is Dutch for 'small tree' up till this day and 'boom' = 'tree'.
So the wood connection also to vessel is clear.


Moderated by  Jackie 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Forum Statistics
Forums16
Topics13,915
Posts229,995
Members9,198
Most Online3,341
Dec 9th, 2011
Newest Members
testawad, Bill_L, achz, MAGNVSTALSMA, Burlyfish
9,198 Registered Users
Who's Online Now
0 members (), 1,044 guests, and 2 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Top Posters(30 Days)
Top Posters
wwh 13,858
Faldage 13,803
Jackie 11,613
wofahulicodoc 10,957
tsuwm 10,542
LukeJavan8 9,956
AnnaStrophic 6,511
Wordwind 6,296
of troy 5,400
Disclaimer: Wordsmith.org is not responsible for views expressed on this site. Use of this forum is at your own risk and liability - you agree to hold Wordsmith.org and its associates harmless as a condition of using it.

Home | Today's Word | Yesterday's Word | Subscribe | FAQ | Archives | Search | Feedback
Wordsmith Talk | Wordsmith Chat

© 1994-2025 Wordsmith

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5