this post was submitted on 13 Nov 2024
59 points (78.6% liked)
Showerthoughts
29773 readers
330 users here now
A "Showerthought" is a simple term used to describe the thoughts that pop into your head while you're doing everyday things like taking a shower, driving, or just daydreaming. A showerthought should offer a unique perspective on an ordinary part of life.
Rules
- All posts must be showerthoughts
- The entire showerthought must be in the title
- Avoid politics
- 3.1) NEW RULE as of 5 Nov 2024, trying it out
- 3.2) Political posts often end up being circle jerks (not offering unique perspective) or enflaming (too much work for mods).
- 3.3) Try c/politicaldiscussion, volunteer as a mod here, or start your own community.
- Posts must be original/unique
- Adhere to Lemmy's Code of Conduct
founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
view the rest of the comments
Jackson is a patronymic last name: Jack's son.
Smith is an aptronymic last name: a smith.
So yeah, bang on.
I'd love to know why you know these terms. I'm a huge etymology nerd and I eat this stuff up.
This entire thread begs the question, why do some people have a first name for a last name? Is it just a less-clear patronym?
I too am an etymology geek, I had to look up "aptronym" (I already knew there was a word for it, but couldn't remember it) but already knew "patronym". I can occasionally work out the approximate Latin roots of words and take a stab at what to search for.
Regarding names' positions moving around... that's just people. People name their children all sorts of stupid things that eventually become normal.
There are a bunch of aptronymic last names, especially in English culture. The Baker family, the Tanner family, the Shoemaker family etc.
Don't ask about the Dickinsons.