Folk Etymology - The Nonsense Nine | English Idioms and Phrases

Definitions

to explain something through a commonly held belief or misconception, often with humorous or sarcastic intent
In a playful or joking manner, to provide an explanation for something that is not accurate or based on false assumptions and beliefs
to simplify or distort facts or information in order to make it easier to understand or remember
In a casual or informal setting, to provide a simplified or exaggerated explanation for something, often using humor or sarcasm to make it more entertaining
to perpetuate a false or inaccurate belief or idea through repetition
In a serious or critical context, to highlight the danger of blindly accepting commonly held beliefs or misconceptions, and to encourage critical thinking and questioning of information

Examples of Folk Etymology - The Nonsense Nine

She is as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.

This idiom means that the person is extremely nervous or anxious in a situation that is normally calm and quiet. The image of a cat, which is known for its agility and quick movements, being in a room full of rocking chairs, which create motion but controlled movement, highlights the contrast between the nervousness of the person and the calmness of the surroundings.
Don't make a mountain out of a molehill.

This idiom means that a person should not make a big deal out of a small issue. The phrase refers to the concept that a large mountain can be created by exaggerating a small molehill. The message is that a person should avoid unnecessary exaggeration and focus on handling issues that are significant instead.
This car runs like a top.

This idiom is used to describe something that works perfectly or efficiently, just like a spinning toy called a top that runs smoothly. It signifies that the item is functioning without any problems or flaws.
He's cleaned up nice.

This idiom is used to describe someone who is well-groomed and looks presentable, as opposed to their unkempt or unsightly appearance in the past. The expression is borrowed from the game of cards, signifying a person's improvement in their overall appearance, just as a player cleans up their winnings after a game.
The restaurant we went to last night was a real eye opener.

This is an instance of Folk Etymology where the phrase "eye opener" is used metaphorically to mean something surprising or enlightening. The phrase is thought to have originated from the term "eye-opener" which was originally used to describe a drink served in the morning to help someone wake up and open their eyes. However, over time, the meaning of the phrase has evolved to mean something that reveals or clarifies something new or unexpected, and is no longer necessarily related to the act of opening one's eyes.
I've never been much of a people person, but meeting you has really brought me out of my shell.

This is another example of Folk Etymology where the phrase "brought me out of my shell" is used to describe a dramatic change in one's social behavior. The phrase is believed to have originated from the idea of an animal, such as a turtle, retreating into its shell for protection. However, over time, the meaning of the phrase has evolved to describe a more social and outgoing behavior, and is no longer necessarily related to the act of retreating into a shell.
After graduating from college, I threw my hat into the ring and applied for a job at a top firm.

This example involves the term "throwing one's hat into the ring," which is a metaphorical expression meaning to enter oneself as a candidate for a position or competition. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 19th century, when candidates for political office would literally drop a hat into a ring as a symbolic gesture of their candidacy. However, today, the phrase is used more broadly to describe any situation where one is actively seeking out a position or opportunity.
It's been a real learning curve since I started my new job.

This example involves the phrase "learning curve," which is a metaphorical expression describing the process of acquiring new knowledge or skills. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the concept of a "curve" that a machine's output might produce as it learned to function efficiently. The idea was then applied to the process of learning, where an individual's knowledge or skill set might also improve over time in a similar, curvilinear fashion. Today, the phrase is commonly used to describe any situation where one is acclimating themselves to a new environment or process.

Conclusion

This idiom is commonly used to describe the act of explaining something through a widely held belief or misconception, often with a humorous or sarcastic tone. It can also refer to the act of simplifying or exaggerating information for ease of understanding or entertainment, as well as the perpetuation of false beliefs through repetition. It highlights the dangers of blindly accepting common beliefs and encourages critical thinking and questioning of information.

Origin of "Folk Etymology - The Nonsense Nine"

The origin of this idiom, "folk etymology," can be traced back to the 19th century. It comes from the combination of the words "folk," meaning the common people, and "etymology," which refers to the study of the origins of words and phrases. It was originally used to describe the process of changing a word's spelling or meaning to make it more understandable or relatable to the common people.

The phrase "nonsense nine" is often added to this idiom as a play on words, as it sounds similar to the phrase "nonsensical." This further emphasizes the idea of distorting or simplifying information, often in a humorous or nonsensical way. Overall, this idiom highlights the importance of critically examining commonly held beliefs and misconceptions.