hobson-jobson

English - English

Definition of hobson-jobson in English English dictionary

A word or phrase borrowed by one language from another and modified in pronunciation to fit the set of sounds the borrowing language typically uses

Related Terms

law of Hobson-Jobson

The rule that words or phrases borrowed between languages will be modified in their pronunciation as necessary to conform to the set of sounds used by the borrowing language

Tommy-axe. A corruption of tomahawk: an instance of the law of Hobson-Jobson (q.v.).

Hyphenation

hob·son-job·son

Etymology

() After the dictionary Hobson-Jobson.