2006-08-25 20:42:05 · 2 answers · asked by ipodipod 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
William "Oddfellow" Wordsworth.
Seriously, though, I think it's an onomatopoeia. I tend to believe the OED
"The Oxford English Dictionary" is the "bible" in the etymological field. Here is the reference to "wow" from that outstanding reference source:
"1. An exclamation, variously expressing aversion, surprise or admiration, sorrow or commiseration, or mere asseveration. Historical References: 1513 DOUGLAS ÆNEIS VI. Prol. 19 Out on thir wanderand spiritis, wow! thow cryis. 15?? Peblis to Play 74 (Maitl. fol . 178) Ane winklot fell and hir taill vp; wow, quod malkin hyd sow. 1721 RAMSAY Prosp. Plenty 74 Wow! that's braw news. 1789 BURNS Grose's Peregr. II And wow! he has an unco sleight O' caulk an keel. Other references in 1840, 1892. In other than Scottish use, instances found in 1892 & 1916...etc."
When Douglas translated Virgil's "Aeneid" from Latin to English in 1513, he used this onomatopoetic word in place of its Latin "cousin."
2006-08-25 20:55:09 · answer #1 · answered by Rico Toasterman JPA 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
somebody just read the word "mom" backwords =P
2006-08-26 03:47:38 · answer #2 · answered by fluxsnokin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋