INKHORNS Meaning and
Definition
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Inkhorns, in the context of historical linguistics, refer to a type of vocabulary used during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The term originates from the practice of storing ink in small horn containers. Essentially, an inkhorn was a small portable container that held ink, and writers would use it to dip their quills while writing. However, in the English language, "inkhorns" evolved to represent a distinct set of borrowed or artificially created words that were perceived to be flashy, affected, or excessively erudite.
During the 16th century, the English language witnessed an influx of new words, mainly derived from Latin, Greek, or foreign languages. Scholars and writers, eager to showcase their knowledge and intellectual prowess, began using these newly introduced terms excessively in their writings. This trend formed the basis for the derogatory term "inkhorns" to describe these ostentatious linguistic borrowings. Critics believed that inkhorns were a product of affectation, aimed at elevating one's social status by showcasing one's educational background and mastery of foreign languages.
The rise and subsequent criticism of inkhorns highlight a broader cultural and linguistic shift during the time. The use of inkhorns was not only a linguistic issue but also a reflection of the changing social and intellectual landscape of Renaissance England. Consequently, the concept of inkhorns holds significance not only in the study of linguistics but also in understanding the dynamics between language, power, and social identity during this transformative period in history.
Common Misspellings for INKHORNS
- unkhorns
- jnkhorns
- knkhorns
- onkhorns
- 9nkhorns
- 8nkhorns
- ibkhorns
- imkhorns
- ijkhorns
- ihkhorns
- injhorns
- inmhorns
- inlhorns
- inohorns
- inihorns
- inkgorns
- inkborns
- inknorns
- inkjorns
- inkuorns
Etymology of INKHORNS
The word "inkhorns" comes from Middle English "inkhorne", which combines the words "ink" and "horn".
The term "inkhorne" was first used in the 15th century to describe a small container or horn-shaped vessel filled with ink. Inkhorns were commonly used by scribes and writers as portable inkwells. They were typically made from animal horns, particularly those of cows, which were hollowed out and fitted with stoppers.
With the rising popularity of writing and the emergence of a more standardized English language in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, inkhorns became increasingly associated with scholarly or pedantic writers. These writers would often carry their inkhorns with them, along with other writing tools, as a symbol of knowledge and erudition.
Over time, the term "inkhorns" started to carry a derogatory connotation.
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