2007-09-23 07:02:27 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
The shift from "Margaret" to "Peg" takes a few steps, but each makes sense
First, note that "Margaret" comes to English from the Norman French name (into Middle English). The Norman French "r" was not very well received in English and often tended to be replaced or to disappear.
So, if you remove the /r/ and shorten the original to nickname, using just the first syllable, you get
"Mag" (or "Maggie")
The /a/ vowel when spoken quickly may vary, so you end up with "Meg".
From "Meg" to "Peg" is an easy step, when you see how closely related the sounds /m/ and /p/ are. It's a bit easier to see if you notice who close /b/ is to /m/, and the /p/ is the same as /b/, but without using the voice.
______________
By the way, the same sort of changes explain how we got "Polly" from "Mary"
(in this case REPLACING the /r/ sound with /l/ --same as Sarah > Sally-- changing the vowel > Molly, then the m > p change)
Check the following article's section on "Letter swapping..."
http://www.geocities.com/edgarbook/names/other/nicknames.html
2007-09-23 10:49:00 · answer #1 · answered by bruhaha 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
Why are Johns called Jack?
Richards called Dick?
My mum is Margaret, but was never called peg, my late gran-in-law was Margaret and known only as Peggie.
Its strange, but as to why, that's a mystery I'm afraid.
2007-09-23 07:52:12 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
My Mum is called Margaret not Peg.
2007-09-23 07:09:28 · answer #3 · answered by M1 5 · 2⤊ 3⤋
For the same reason they are called meg, maggie, margie, etty, and a half dozen nicknames.
Me, I'm trying to figure out why "Dwight" is called "Ike".
2007-09-23 07:10:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
No idea, but, for what it's worth, I know why Helens are called Nelly or Nell.
Write Helen backwards and you have "Neleh"!
2007-09-23 08:45:42 · answer #5 · answered by Veronica Alicia 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same reason that Richards are called Dick. There's no reason so far as I know.
2007-09-23 07:10:01 · answer #6 · answered by Terras 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
not over here
2007-09-23 07:11:36 · answer #7 · answered by less 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋