2006-08-07 00:16:36 · 7 answers · asked by beenatintu 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Zoology
A false etymology claims that the word butterfly came from a Spoonerism of “flutterby”; however, the Old English word was buttorfleoge and a similar word occurs in Dutch, apparently because butterflies were thought to steal milk. An alternative folk etymology, current in Great Britain, is that it originated as a contraction of term butter-coloured fly referring to the Brimstone Butterfly, Gonepteryx rhamni, often the first butterfly of Spring. Compare German Schmetterling.
2006-08-07 00:21:57 · answer #1 · answered by Azrael 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why Are Butterflies Called Butterflies
2016-10-04 12:06:36 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Derived From Old English word buttorfleoge. Once believed that the insects or witches that took on the form of the insects stole milk and butter.
2006-08-07 00:26:14 · answer #3 · answered by mistress_lilas 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
because they taste like butter and they fly
2013-12-13 14:33:54 · answer #4 · answered by Imtiaz C 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A Parkay fly just doesn't sound as good .
2006-08-07 00:48:33 · answer #5 · answered by rocknrod04 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
because when you eat them they are like butter, and they can fly!
so butter-fly.that's what my teacher tought me!
2006-08-07 00:21:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because it flutters by?
2006-08-07 00:19:49 · answer #7 · answered by phoneypersona 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋