Pseudo-Etymology: Do Words Have Hidden Meanings? by Talia Felix

Talia Felix, a contributor to the Online Etymology Dictionary, explores the widespread misunderstanding of etymology—not just as a confusion with "entomology," but as a belief that words contain hidden, mystical truths. This outdated notion assumes language was divinely assigned and that etymology can unlock secret meanings, a view long discarded by modern linguistics. Felix critiques the pseudolinguistic use of etymology by occultists and conspiracy theorists who claim words are "spells" designed to manipulate people. She debunks examples like the false idea that "week" and "weak" are related, showing that such claims ignore real historical language development and cross-linguistic differences. Read this article and find accompanying references at: https://skepticalinquirer.org/2025/06/pseudo-etymology-do-words-have-hidden-meanings/ About the Author: Talia Felix is the assistant editor of the Online Etymology Dictionary (etymonline.com). Subscribe to Skeptical Inquirer: https://skepticalinquirer.org/subscribe/ Skeptical Inquirer Audio Edition is a production of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and the Center for Inquiry.