Why is a butterfly called a butterfly, when it would surely make more sense for it to be called a flutterby?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Nobody knows for sure the origin of the word 'butterfly', it has been suggested that it may be based on 'flutter by' - which is as you suggested! The word butterfly may be a varient from the word flutteby.

According to other sources the most common British butterflies around are cream or pale yellow in colour, the usual colour of butter in the days before manufacturers started to add dyes to it. Which would make a butterfly a butter-coloured flying thing.
But your suggestion still makes more sense!

Answer 3

it used to be called a flutterby before it got called a butterfly

Answer 4

Come to think of it, what you are saying makes absolute sense! Don't know why its butterfly though - maybe the root word came from another 'borrowed' language...

Answer 5

Maybe Butterfly sounds good!

Answer 6

flutterby butterfly, fly by and flutter

Answer 7

My daughter used to say flutterby..... I agree!

Answer 8

why do we drive on the parkway and park in the drive way Hmmmm Hmmmmm

Answer 9

This is exactly the kind of question we need more of.

I have no idea.

Let's change it starting now.

Answer 10

Maybe they taste like butter.