Word Origins

Origin of the word snore

What is the origin of the word snore please

barmy Wed 02/01/08 12:43

<< Previous

Next >>

Subscribe to question

Post an Answer

The Builder
Wed 02/01/08
12:45

Webster's suggests it's probably imitative..........:o)

Quizmonster
Wed 02/01/08
16:14

Its earliest uses were as a verb to suggest an animal such as a pig making a sound. Only later did it take on the meaning of making harsh breathing sounds in humans. Shakespeare was first to use the word as a noun in Macbeth with the sentence, "The surfeited grooms do mock their charge with snores."
I'm sure The Builder is right to suggest that it is imitative or onomatopoeic...ie a snore sounds like 'snore' in the same way as a splash makes a splash-sound!

DaSwede
Sun 06/01/08
16:07

I don't really know, but I can tell you for sure that the Swedish word for "snot" (as in nasal mucus) is "snor". It's from the word "snoor" which is to be found in the Swedish "branch" of Old Norse.

You do snore worse when you have a snotty nose... and if you rearrange the letters in NORSE, well whuddaya get! ;-)

(Hi Quizmonster, long time no see.)

Quizmonster
Sun 06/01/08
20:12

There is definitely a Scandinavian connection.
(I'm generally around, DaS, but, as you say, it's quite some time since I last saw your name. Nice to see you.)

Post an Answer

Submit the above question and answers

add to del.icio.us	add to digg	add to furl
add to reddit	add to Technorati	add to Blinklist
add to StumbleUpon	add to squidoo	add to ma.gnolia
add to Cocomment	add to Netscape	add to Fark