Wharf

[GWR]

Is the following a 'hoary old chestnut' trotted out by riverboat tourguides to wind up the rubbernecks?

WHARF = WAREHOUSE + RIVER FRONT

I'm inclined to think it might be true; and don't think the plural 'wharves' invalidates this idea, as the plural is just following the normal rule for nouns ending with CONSONANT + F.

EG: Dwarf & Dwarves

[ncr]

Nope. Look up the corresponding entry in the Online Etymology Dictionary I mentioned in this very sub-forum: wharf (http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=wharf&searchmode=none).

[ncr]

Strange, there seems to be a strong tendency for folk etymologies through acronyms in the English speaking world (even including 'shit' and the F word!) - all of them nonsense. Why is that? Who in his right mind would think that our ancestors constructed everyday words in this manner? :confused:

Actually this whole phenomenon belongs in the "Urban Legends" category. Compare Etymonline (http://www.etymonline.com/baloney.php) and Snopes (http://www.snopes.com/language/acronyms/fuck.htm) for some interesting notes regarding this topic.