Misnomer
/ˌmɪsˈnoʊ.mər/noun
An incorrect or unsuitable name or term for something.
Did you know?The prefix 'mis-' derives from Old English meaning 'wrongly', hinting at the hidden errors lurking in language itself!
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
mesnomer
“to name wrongly or incorrectly.”
Latin
Latin
nominare
“to name or to call.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
mendicare
“to call in error.”
Middle English
Middle English
misnomeren
“to misname or use an incorrect name.”
Modern English
English
misnomer
“a term that is inaccurately applied to something.”
Explore more surprising origins